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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 ...

Paramount Events

Chef Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Position Summary The Chef Manager for fuelgood will oversee daily culinary and catering operations at our downtown Chicago location, including the corporate restaurant and all onsite catering ...

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

$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 ...

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 · On-site

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 ...

Pearl of Hinsdale

Traveling Chef Manager

Hinsdale, IL · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsChef JobsChef Manager JobsChef Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Chef Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$62.9K

$90.1K

How much do chef manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for chef manager in Chicago, IL is $62,893.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $73,100.00 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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,942 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Chef Manager

Grayslake, IL • On-site

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC
Traveler Accommodation • 501 - 1,000 employees

3.4

Company rating: 3.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 68 rated caterers

Learn more about QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLCexternal

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Chef Manager – Grayslake North High School

Location: Grayslake, Illinois
Company: Quest Food Management Services

About Quest

At Quest Food Management Services, we believe food should be fresh, flavorful, and made with care. We create scratch-made dining experiences using high-quality ingredients while building strong relationships with the students, staff, and communities we serve.

Our team members enjoy a supportive, people-first environment where great food, teamwork, and work-life balance matter.

Position Summary

Quest Food Management Services is seeking a Chef Manager to lead the culinary and day-to-day food service operations at Grayslake High School.  This is a Monday - Friday role - no weekends!

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who enjoys being in the kitchen, developing and executing great menus, leading a team, and creating an outstanding dining experience for students and staff.

The Chef Manager is responsible for culinary execution, team leadership, food safety and sanitation, ordering and inventory, cost management, and overall kitchen operations. This position works closely with Quest leadership and our school partner to ensure the account operates efficiently while consistently delivering the quality and service Quest is known for.

What You’ll Do

  • Lead daily culinary and food service operations for the school account.

  • Prepare and oversee fresh, scratch-made meals while maintaining Quest's standards for quality, presentation, and consistency.

  • Lead, train, schedule, coach, and support kitchen and food service team members.

  • Create a positive, organized, and collaborative kitchen environment.

  • Execute menus and recipes while ensuring proper portioning, production levels, and presentation.

  • Manage ordering, receiving, inventory, and food storage.

  • Monitor food and labor costs and make operational adjustments to support account financial goals.

  • Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance.

  • Ensure appropriate procedures are followed for food allergies and special dietary needs.

  • Coordinate production and service for special events, catering, and other school activities as needed.

  • Build strong relationships with school administrators, staff, students, and the Quest leadership team.

  • Respond to feedback and identify opportunities to continuously improve the dining experience.

  • Ensure equipment, kitchen facilities, and work areas are properly maintained and operational.

  • Step into food preparation and service when needed — this is a hands-on leadership role.

What We’re Looking For

  • Culinary leadership experience in a high-volume food service environment.

  • Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Executive Chef, or similar culinary leadership role preferred.

  • Experience in K-12, higher education, corporate dining, healthcare, hospitality, or contract food service is a plus.

  • Strong knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, food safety, and sanitation.

  • Experience managing food and labor costs, ordering, and inventory.

  • Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop a team.

  • Strong organizational and communication skills.

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

  • ServSafe certification or ability to obtain certification as required.

Why Quest?

At Quest, our Chef Managers aren't managing from an office — they're part of the kitchen and part of the community they serve. You'll have the opportunity to lead a team, create great food, build relationships, and make an impact on the dining experience students have every day.

Quest offers competitive compensation and benefits, professional development opportunities, access to leadership, and a culture that values both culinary excellence and quality of life.


 

#Questfood


Monday-Friday. No Nights, No weekends !

What Quest Food Management Services employees say

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