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Chef Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Cafe/Bakery Chef de Cuisine

Deerfield, IL ยท On-site

$28 - $38/hr (+ commission)

We have a mediocre cafe/bakery and are looking for a Chef/Manager to make our food and service extraordinary! We will give you the budget and support you need to make that happen. Qualified ...

Cafe/Bakery Chef de Cuisine

Deerfield, IL ยท On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

We have a mediocre cafe/bakery and are looking for a Chef/Manager to make our food and service extraordinary! We will give you the budget and support you need to make that happen. Qualified ...

Results-driven General Manager/Chef Manager responsible for leading culinary and food service operations, driving client satisfaction, managing budgets, ensuring food safety compliance, developing ...

Results-driven General Manager/Chef Manager responsible for leading culinary and food service operations, driving client satisfaction, managing budgets, ensuring food safety compliance, developing ...

Results-driven General Manager/Chef Manager responsible for leading culinary and food service operations, driving client satisfaction, managing budgets, ensuring food safety compliance, developing ...

Results-driven General Manager/Chef Manager responsible for leading culinary and food service operations, driving client satisfaction, managing budgets, ensuring food safety compliance, developing ...

Sous Chef

Buffalo Grove, IL ยท On-site

$23/hr

The Sous Chef assists in training new kitchen employees and helps to maintain a high quality of ... Properly manage cook times while preparing and efficiently managing several orders simultaneously

Sous Chef

Buffalo Grove, IL ยท On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The Sous Chef assists in training new kitchen employees and helps to maintain a high quality of ... Properly manage cook times while preparing and efficiently managing several orders simultaneously

Train and manage kitchen personnel and supervise/coordinate all related culinary activities. * Develop recipes as well as standardized production recipes to ensure consistent quality. * Establish ...

Bagel Chef

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Our Lincoln Park shop is looking for a Bagel Chef to own it. This is our top in-shop leadership ... management, and employee relations. - Experience with inventory, food costing, and labor ...

Showing results 41-60

Chef Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$28.6K

$59.2K

$84.8K

How much do chef manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chef manager in Illinois is $59,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $68,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chef manager?

A Chef Manager is a culinary professional responsible for both the preparation of food and the management of kitchen operations. They oversee menu planning, ingredient sourcing, food safety, and staff supervision, ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently and meets quality standards. Chef Managers often balance hands-on cooking with administrative duties like budgeting, scheduling, and inventory control. Their role is essential in restaurants, catering companies, and institutional kitchens to guarantee consistent and high-quality food service.

What is a chef manager?

A chef manager is a supervisor in the kitchen area of a restaurant. As a chef manager, you are responsible for helping the kitchen staff perform efficiently. Your duties include establishing standard menu options and recipes, ordering the food and supplies necessary to make these dishes, and overseeing kitchen and line staff by hiring, firing, and training team members as required. Qualifications for this career include extensive kitchen experience and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef Manager, you need strong culinary expertise, menu planning skills, and experience in kitchen operations, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with inventory management systems, food safety standards, and cost control software is typically required. Leadership, communication, and time management are crucial soft skills for effectively managing kitchen staff and ensuring smooth service. These skills are vital for maintaining high food quality, operational efficiency, and a positive team environment.

How does a chef manager balance culinary creativity with administrative responsibilities in their daily role?

As a Chef Manager, you will need to juggle hands-on food preparation and menu development with tasks like staff scheduling, inventory control, and budgeting. This balance often means dividing your day between the kitchen and the office, ensuring food quality and safety standards are met while also keeping operations efficient and cost-effective. Collaboration with kitchen staff, front-of-house teams, and suppliers is key to maintaining smooth service and meeting customer expectations. Developing strong organizational and communication skills will help you thrive in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Chef Manager vs Sous Chef?

AspectChef ManagerSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent, culinary certificationsCulinary degree or equivalent, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees kitchen operations, manages staff, plans menusAssists head chef, supervises kitchen staff, prepares dishes
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, catering services, healthcare facilitiesRestaurants, hotels, catering, institutional kitchens
Primary ResponsibilitiesKitchen management, menu planning, staff supervisionFood preparation, supporting head chef, quality control

The main difference between a Chef Manager and a Sous Chef is that the Chef Manager has broader responsibilities including managing the entire kitchen operation, staff, and menu planning, while the Sous Chef primarily supports the head chef with food preparation and kitchen supervision. Both roles require culinary credentials and are common in similar work environments, but the Chef Manager holds a more managerial position.

How much does a chef manager earn?

A chef manager's salary typically ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. They often oversee kitchen staff, manage food quality, and handle administrative tasks, which can influence compensation levels.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Chef Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Chef Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Chef Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Chef Manager job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Chef Manager jobs in IL?

For Chef Manager jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chef Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,161 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Healthcare Traveling Chef Manager

Archway Management

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

The Traveling Chef Manager position includes the following but is not limited to:

Traveling to different locations and providing necessary culinary and managerial support.

Leading staff with proper communication skills and composure.

Handle a 50-55 hour work week with open availability.

Work towards being state-ready at all times.

Maintain a clean and organized work environment.

Establish, enforce, and maintain all service, sanitation, and state compliance standards.

Hands-on supervision of preparation.

Assist in picking up shifts when there are call-offs.  

Focus on safety, quality, consistency, and organization.

Maintain standards of quality, costs, eye appeal, and overall flavor.

Ability to assume complete control of the kitchen without a manager.

Communicate with the Manager on supervision and development of employees, ensuring they maintain a productive and positive attitude.

Responsible for knowing all aspects of the culinary operation.

The ideal candidate will possess:

A keen understanding of theraputic and modified diets and preperation.

Prior healthcare experience (minimum 1 year).

A passion for giving true hospitality (both to guests and staff members).

Critical problem-solving skills.

Self-motivated team player.

Punctual, adaptable, and passionate.

A keen ability and desire for team development.

A “do whatever it takes” attitude.

The ability to pivot quickly and be adaptable in all situations

Strong leadership skills.

Maintains the highest standards of sanitation and safe work environment

The desire for continued learning.

Job Duties:

  • Prepare all food items as directed in a sanitary and timely manner. 
  • Follow recipes and presentation specifications. 
  • Operate standard kitchen equipment safely and efficiently. 
  • Clean and maintain the station by practicing good safety and sanitation. 
  • Assist with the cleaning and organization of kitchen and equipment. 
  •  Assist in placing food orders and putting away the food order. 
  • Give relief to the Dietary Manager so they may have days off and fill in for managerial duties as needed. 
  • Restock items as needed throughout the shift. 
  • Adhere to all sanitation and food production codes.