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Chef Works Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Resort Sous Chef

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Pay: $60000  - $75000  At Great Wolf, the Resort Sous Chef works in a fast paced, exciting environment to deliver on our commitment to high quality hospitality. The Sous Chef manages the ...

Resort Sous Chef

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Pay: $60000 - $75000 At Great Wolf, the Resort Sous Chef works in a fast paced, exciting environment to deliver on our commitment to high quality hospitality. The Sous Chef manages the operations of ...

Resort Sous Chef

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Pay: $60000  - $75000  At Great Wolf, the Resort Sous Chef works in a fast paced, exciting environment to deliver on our commitment to high quality hospitality. The Sous Chef manages the ...

Banquet Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest standards of food quality, service, and safety are met. This position requires creativity and ...

The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest standards of food quality, service, and safety are met. This position requires creativity and ...

The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest standards of food quality, service, and safety are met. This position requires creativity and ...

Executive Chef

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

The Executive Chef works closely with the Food & Beverage Director to enhance resident satisfaction and support the overall well-being of the community. Requirements ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Conduct ...

Executive Chef

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

The Executive Chef works closely with the Food & Beverage Director to enhance resident satisfaction and support the overall well-being of the community. Requirements: ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: · ...

Executive Chef

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef works closely with the Food & Beverage Director to enhance resident satisfaction and support the overall well-being of the community. Requirements ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: • ...

Sous Chef

Long Grove, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Personally works in any station as assigned by the Executive Chef and assists in ALL aspects of the kitchen when needed. * Helps plan energy conservation procedures in the kitchen. * Meets with FOH ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Personally works in any station as assigned by the Executive Chef/Executive Sous Chef * Helps plan energy conservation procedures in the kitchen * Assists in the development of training and the ...

... Works Clean Values Consistency Understands That Kitchen Culture Reaches the Guest The Role Lead ... Chef This is a hands-on leadership role in a serious kitchen with high standards. Paid Working ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chefs predominantly works PM shifts, however, open availability is preferred. A concept founded by Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas, Alinea has been globally praised for its molecular ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chefs predominantly works PM shifts, however, open availability is preferred. A concept founded by Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas, Alinea has been globally praised for its molecular ...

Sous Chef

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation ... We are looking for someone who leads by example and works alongside the team. * A positive attitude ...

$75K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation ... We are looking for someone who leads by example and works alongside the team. * A positive attitude ...

Sous Chef

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation ... We are looking for someone who leads by example and works alongside the team. * A positive attitude ...

We are looking for a chef who takes pride in craftsmanship, works with urgency and precision, and thrives in a high-volume, team-oriented environment. Responsibilities * Prepare sushi, sashimi ...

Sous Chef

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation ... We are looking for someone who leads by example and works alongside the team. * A positive attitude ...

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Chef Works information

What is Chef Works?

Chef Works refers to a company that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing uniforms and apparel for chefs and hospitality professionals. The company is well-known for providing high-quality chef coats, aprons, pants, and other workwear specifically tailored for the culinary industry. Chef Works products are used in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses worldwide, and they focus on combining functionality with style to meet the demanding needs of kitchen environments.

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

To thrive as a Chef, you need expert culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and typically formal culinary training or certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is common. Creativity, leadership, and resilience are crucial soft skills for managing kitchen teams and adapting to high-pressure situations. These skills ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges chefs face when managing a busy kitchen, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Chefs often encounter challenges such as coordinating a high volume of orders, maintaining consistent food quality, and managing a diverse kitchen staff during busy service periods. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for navigating these situations. Many chefs implement clear kitchen protocols and delegate tasks efficiently to keep operations running smoothly, ensuring both staff morale and customer satisfaction remain high.

What is the difference between Chef Works vs Line Cook?

AspectChef WorksLine Cook
CredentialsOften requires culinary training or certificationMay have formal training but often learned on the job
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringKitchen stations within restaurants or hotels
Job RoleOversees kitchen operations, menu planningPrepares specific dishes, executes orders
Industry UsageUsed broadly for professional kitchen staffCommonly used for entry to mid-level kitchen staff

Chef Works typically refers to a professional culinary role with leadership responsibilities, often requiring formal training. Line Cooks focus on preparing dishes at specific stations within a kitchen. While both roles work in the culinary industry, Chef Works usually indicates a higher level of responsibility and experience compared to Line Cooks.

How much do chef works make?

The average salary for a chef varies by experience, location, and establishment, but typically ranges from $25,000 to $60,000 annually. Executive chefs and specialized roles can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $70,000 with additional certifications and management responsibilities.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Chef Works jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Chef Works job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef Works job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Great Wolf Lodge rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 310 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 108 rated hotels


Job description

Pay: $60000  - $75000 

At Great Wolf, the Resort Sous Chef works in a fast paced, exciting environment to deliver on our commitment to high quality hospitality. The Sous Chef manages the operations of the kitchen in absence of the Executive Chef, oversees preparation of food and inventory levels of the kitchen, and assists with scheduling and training employees.


Hiring immediately with full-time, part-time, and flexible scheduling  

Join our Pack:   

Grow your career: A great place to start or advance your career with cross-training, scholarship fund, and talent development programs at all levels   

Great Perks: Take advantage of exclusive perks for you, your family, and friends – including discounted vacations and employee referral incentives   

Learn While You Earn: Gain access to Great Wolf University for on-the-job training, functional, and leadership training   

Prioritize Your Well-Being: We offer flexible scheduling, access to a holistic wellness program and technology, and support through our Employee Assistance Program and Employee Relief Fund   

Celebrate Your Uniqueness: Join a team that cheers for diversity and inclusion through programs that make everyone feel welcome and recognized.   

Benefits:   

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance   
  • Health savings account   
  • Telehealth resources   
  • Life insurance   
  • 401K with employer match   
  • Paid vacation time off   
  • Paid parental leave   


Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assists the Chef with directing the preparation and presentation of all foods in all venues of the Lodge
  • Maintain and follow all local Health Department food preparation codes and regulations
  • Works with the Chef to hire, train, supervise, schedule and participate in activities of chefs, cooks, and other pack members involved in preparing, cooking and presenting food in accordance with merchandising and productivity standards, cost controls and forecast needs
  • Maintain working rapport with all hotel staff for efficient operation and service to guests
  • Contribute to creation of new menus and individual menu items for all outlets based on current food trends, regional demographics and in accordance with revenue and profitability goals
  • Assist with audit of food storeroom items and storage to maintain consistent quality products using FIFO (first in, first out) and ensure adherence to all health code requirements
  • Perform food preparation tasks for all fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, etc. used in recipes
  • Prepare all food items per recipe guidelines, tasting and adjusting for flavor with assistance of chef
  • Ensure back of house area adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, and service
  • Maintain appropriate levels of necessary dishes and utensils; keep all dishware used in cooking and serving clean and sanitary at all times
  • Monitor supply levels in back of house area and replenish as necessary
  • Monitor equipment operation, perform preventative maintenance, troubleshoot breakdowns, maintain supplies, and call for repairs as necessary
  • Ensure compliance with all food-handling and sanitation regulation


Basic Qualifications & Skills

  • High School degree or equivalent
  • 3+ years experience in restaurant kitchen(s)
  • Must be flexible regarding scheduling based on business demands, including nights, weekends and Holidays as needed
  • Successful completion of criminal background check and drug screen


Desired Qualifications & Traits

  • Culinary education degree
  • 1+ years experience in restaurant supervisory/leadership role
  • Training and/or experience with hands-on equipment maintenance
  • Prior kitchen experience in hotel/resort industry
  • Understanding of sanitation-related issues and knowledge of precautions necessary to ensure a clean food preparation environment
  • Proven teamwork
  • Projects professional image that inspires trust and confidence
  • Enthusiastic and positive energy


Physical Requirements

  • Able to lift up to 30 lbs.
  • Able to bend, stretch, and twist
  • Able to stand for long periods of time


Estimated Salary Range:

$60000  - $75000  annual base salary

An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of Great Wolf’s total compensation package. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and other perks.


This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.


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