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Chef Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Food for Thought

Chef Manager

Lincolnwood, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Chef Manager Salary: $70k - 75k a year Hours: Monday to Friday. Weekend and evening availability is needed at some locations. Location: Multiple locations in the Chicagoland area Including Northwest ...

Aramark

Chef Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the General Manager, you'll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team ...

Aramark

Chef Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the General Manager, you'll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team ...

Deane's Market & Deli

Chef Manager

Geneva, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Job Title: Head Chef / Kitchen Manager Company: Deane's Market & Deli Location: Geneva, IL Pay Rate: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Job Type: Full-time (35 hours per week, 5-day work week including ...

Aramark

Chef Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer service and food experiences. Reporting to the General Manager, you'll take a hands-on approach in focusing on team ...

Belmont Village

Chef Manager In Training

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K/yr

Learn directly from an experienced Belmont Village Chef Manager Preceptor at one of our vibrant assisted living and memory care communities, gradually increasing your responsibilities as you grow.

Pearl of Joliet

Traveling Chef Manager

Joliet, IL

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 ...

Taher, Inc.

Chef Manager

Libertyville, IL · On-site

As a Chef Manager you will supervise, coordinate, and participate in the effective preparation and service of high quality meals. Ensure a safe and sanitary operation. Ensures an efficient cost ...

Sodexo

Chef Manager

Gary, IN · On-site

Role Overview Sodexo is seeking a talented and motivated Chef Manager to lead culinary operations at Methodist Hospital Northlake in Gary, Indiana . We are looking for a creative, dependable culinary ...

Sodexo

Chef Manager

Palatine, IL · On-site

Role Overview Sodexo is looking for a Chef Manager to join our team at Harper College , in Palatine, Illinois. This manager will be responsible for the day-to-day execution of the retail and catering ...

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - OAK BROOK, IL

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - OAK BROOK, IL Salary: $75,000 - $80,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities.

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - OAK BROOK, IL

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - OAK BROOK, IL Salary: $75,000 - $80,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities.

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - OAK BROOK, IL

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

CHEF MANAGER - OAK BROOK, IL Salary: $75,000 - $80,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities.

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All JobsChef JobsChef Manager JobsChef Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Chef Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.8K

$59.7K

$85.5K

How much do chef manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for chef manager in Chicago, IL is $59,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $69,400.00 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.

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 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 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 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.
More about Chef Manager jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Chef Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Chef Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Chef Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Chef Manager job openings:
Chef Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,662 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Chef Manager

Food for Thought

Lincolnwood, IL • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Food For Thought rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Job Title: Chef Manager
Salary: $70k – 75k a year
Hours: Monday to Friday. Weekend and evening availability is needed at some locations.
Location: Multiple locations in the Chicagoland area Including Northwest, downtown and Jefferson park area

Job Summary

Are you ready to bring your culinary passion and leadership skills to the next level? Food For Thought is hiring a Chef Manager to oversee both the Front and Back of House teams across our Chicagoland café locations. In this role, you’ll set the vision for your kitchen, stay ahead of industry trends, and ensure flawless execution of menus, promotions, and client expectations.

You’re a cautious risk-taker who thrives in a fast-paced environment—balancing creativity with operational excellence. You hold yourself and others to high standards, manage costs with precision, and know how to keep both customers and employees satisfied. With at least 5 years in food service management and the ability to adapt quickly, you’re self-sufficient, direct, and motivated to lead teams to success.

Responsibilities

• Measuring customer satisfaction levels through feedback and resolving any issues immediately.

• Working with the District Manager to maintain 100% compliance with the new menu and promo rollouts from the chef’s committee.

• Acting as the liaison with the client to ensure expectations are met.

• Managing and maintaining all SOP and HACCP standards.

• Demonstrating financial expertise and accountability in managing Food, Labor and Direct costs against budgets and forecasts.

• Other duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years in Food Service Management.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication and leadership skills.

• Proficient computer skills and exceptional organizational skills.

• Must provide valid Food Service Manager Certificate and Food Allergen Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts.

• A passion for culinary arts, with a desire for creativity.

• Ability to budget and manage inventory.

• Creativity and adaptability to challenges.

Why We’re the Leaders

• Excellent training

• Employee Referral bonuses

• Flexible scheduling

• Career advancement opportunities

• Competitive Pay

• Anniversary Milestone Incentives

Company Benefits & Perks

  • Paid Time Off
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance – Includes Spouse and Domestic Partner Coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider)
    • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
    • Health Savings Account (HSA)
    • Paid Life Insurance ($50K by the company, optional additional coverage)
    • Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) & Critical Illness Insurance
    • Short Term Disability
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
      1. Mental Health, Relationship Conflicts, Child and Eldercare, Substance Abuse, Grief and Loss
        • Assistance for you and household members
        • In Person Sessions
        • Unlimited phone access
    • Parental Leave – Equal benefits to Mothers and Fathers
    • 401K Retirement Plan
    • FFT University - Over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job to help your career growth.
    • Employee Meal Plan
    • Employee Discounts (Pet Insurance, Entertainment, Travel, Company Discounts, and much more).

Company Values & Culture

• Collaboration & Open Communication

• Diverse, Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating

• Our Triple Bottom Line – People, Product and Planet

• A Net Positive Organization

Grow with us! - at Food For Thought, instruction, advice, and assistance are always readily available, which is why our average tenure is 5 years. The U.S. average is 4.3 years, while the Hospitality industry average is only 2 years!

What Food For Thought employees say

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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