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Head Chef Jobs in Romeoville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Pete's Fresh Market

Head Chef

New Lenox, IL · On-site

Title Kitchen Head Cook Pay Grade Non-Exempt Major Department Hot Foods Minor Department Kitchen Reports to Hot Foods Department Manager, Store Manager Job Summary: The Chef is responsible for the ...

Osaka Nikkei - Chicago

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

In this role, you'll work directly under the Head Chef to ensure seamless daily service, manage shift inventory, and enforce strict safety standards. You will serve as an executing leader and ...

Pour Destino

Chef

Elmhurst, IL

Head Chef -- Pour Destino | Elmhurst, IL Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried Location: 545 Spring Road, Elmhurst, IL About the Role Pour Destino is looking for a talented and driven culinary ...

Osaka Nikkei - Chicago

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL

$68K - $93K/yr

In this role, you'll work closely with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Head Itamae to drive consistent quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance across the kitchen. You'll have ...

Akiro - Chicago

Sushi Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

You'll work closely with our Head Chef and culinary team to deliver visually striking and flavorful plates with precision and consistency. ✅ Responsibilities -Prepare all types of sushi including ...

Roc City Bar and Grill

Line Cook

Rockdale, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

BIG SAMMYS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Line Cook

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

BIG SAMMYS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Line Cook

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

BIG SAMMYS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Line Cook

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

Roc City Bar and Grill

Line Cook

Rockdale, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

BIG SAMMYS RESTAURANT AND BAR

Line Cook

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

Roc City Bar and Grill

Line Cook

Joliet, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification * Advanced knowledge ...

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Head Chef information

See Romeoville, IL salary details

$29.1K

$65.2K

$96.9K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Romeoville, IL is $65,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a head chef?

A head chef oversees the kitchen of a restaurant or other dining facility. They are the top of the chef chain-of-command in most establishments; larger restaurants have an executive chef above the head chef. As head chef, you control inventory and order supplies to ensure they are replenished, develop menu items, and train and manage staff. While you may supervise the cooking and completion of dishes in the kitchen, the day-to-day operations are usually handled by someone lower down the chef hierarchy, such as the sous chef.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head chef?

To thrive as a Head Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and several years of professional kitchen experience, often supported by a degree or certification in culinary arts. Familiarity with kitchen management systems, inventory software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing a team and fostering a positive kitchen environment. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a motivated staff, all critical for a successful kitchen.

What are some of the main challenges head chefs face in managing kitchen operations?

Head Chefs often face the challenge of balancing high-quality food preparation with efficient kitchen management, especially during busy service periods. They must coordinate and motivate a diverse team, ensure food safety standards are consistently met, and adapt quickly to supply chain or staffing issues. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as the Head Chef is responsible for both the culinary output and the smooth operation of the kitchen. Successfully overcoming these challenges can lead to greater leadership opportunities within the hospitality industry.

What is the difference between Head Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectHead ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees often preferredSimilar credentials, often with experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen, manages staffAssists Head Chef, manages specific sections
Industry UsageLeads kitchen operations in restaurants, hotelsSupports Head Chef, second-in-command
Search & ComparisonOften searched with Sous Chef for role distinctionsCommonly compared to Head Chef for hierarchy understanding

The Head Chef is responsible for the overall kitchen management, menu creation, and staff supervision, while the Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command, assisting the Head Chef and managing specific kitchen sections. Both roles require culinary expertise and certifications, but the Head Chef holds the primary leadership position.

How much do head chefs get paid?

Head chefs typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can be higher in upscale establishments or in regions with a higher cost of living, and many head chefs also receive tips and bonuses.

What other jobs can a head chef do?

A head chef can transition into roles such as culinary director, food service manager, restaurant owner, or food consultant, leveraging skills in kitchen management, menu development, and leadership. They may also pursue positions in catering, hospitality management, or culinary education, often requiring certifications or experience in business and operations.
More about Head Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Romeoville, IL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Romeoville, IL are:

What cities near Romeoville, IL are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Romeoville, IL with the most Head Chef job openings:

Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Romeoville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,249 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Head Chef

New Lenox, IL • On-site

Pete's Fresh Market
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores • 51 - 200 employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Good employer

Recommended by students

Paid breaks

Learn more about Pete's Fresh Marketexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Title
Kitchen Head Cook
Pay Grade
Non-Exempt
Major Department
Hot Foods
Minor Department
Kitchen
Reports to
Hot Foods Department Manager, Store Manager
Job Summary: The Chef is responsible for the production and preparation of all hot foods in accordance with established use records/recipes ensuring excellent guest satisfaction. S/he must develop menus, food purchase specifications, and recipes. S/he must develop and monitor the food and labor budget for the department, and maintain the highest professional food quality and sanitation standards. S/he is responsible for the supervision of staff and demonstrates the ability to perform all hourly positions in the kitchen. As a PFM team member is able to exemplify Pete's Four Pillars of Value, Aesthetic, Quality, and Customer Service.
Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Provide the highest quality of service to the guest at all times and anticipate and exceed guest expectations.
  • Project par levels and determine freezer pull and line set up.
  • Prepare hot food according to recipes and use records.
  • Ensure that all food presentations are appealing.
  • Maintains kitchen sanitation per established standards.
  • Follow established menus and recipes.
  • Pull all food needed for daily production from the walk-in box and utilize all leftovers properly.
  • Executes advance prep for the next shift.
  • Check food waste, loss and usage per standard operating procedures. Assist in setting up plans and actions to correct any food cost problems. Complete food waste logs daily or as needed to track food spoilage, waste and any foods cooked to standard.
  • Practice WLD (Wrap, Label, Date) Procedure on all food products and return to designated area.
  • Practice FIFO (First In/First Out) procedure on all products. Utilize cooler products that have already been partially consumed first before opening new products.
  • During peak business periods must be able to coordinate and expedite food to accelerate service.
  • Complete assigned prep work to stock line. Utilize "the Prep List" to ensure all product and special tasks are complete. Note which tasks are incomplete and what product is out.
  • Training new associates and cross-train existing associates according to Health Department certification program.
  • Maintain a clean and orderly work area in accordance with Food & Beverage sanitation standards.
  • Complete daily and weekly cleaning schedule.
  • Ensure that food sanitation practices are followed.
  • Comply with the 30 Essentials of Food Quality and Safety Standards.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and adherence to all local, city, county, and state health codes.
  • Communicate all pertinent information regarding the kitchen to the Kitchen Managers.
  • Report all maintenance issues to Kitchen Managers.
  • Demonstrate ability to perform all hourly positions in the kitchen.
  • Ensure security and confidentiality of guest information.
  • Practice energy conservation.
  • Must be punctual and demonstrate good attendance habits.
  • Participates in daily pre-shift meetings.
  • Utilize service recovery practices to ensure guest satisfaction.
  • Report unsafe conditions and suspicious activity to the Kitchen Manager.
  • Practice safety standards at all times and keeps the property safe for guests and fellow associates.
  • Demonstrate safe knife handling skills. Use personal protective equipment including cut-resistant gloves.
  • Demonstrate the location and understanding of how to use fire extinguishers.
  • Use wet floor signs as required.
  • Operate a variety of kitchen equipment to weight, measure, mix, wash, peel, cut, grind, stir, strain and knead food stuffs for cooking.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education/Certifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalency with 1-3 years of experience in grocery store or similar environment;
  • Sanitation and Food Handling certification(s) as required by the City of Chicago and State of Illinois.
  • Must pass certification/quiz for position;
  • Serve Safe Certification;
  • Great Food Safe Food Certification.

Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Must be capable of providing and modeling exceptional customer service.
  • Must have excellent communication skills in order to communicate effectively with customers, store leadership, and fellow-team members.
  • Must be detail oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently or in groups.
  • Must have the physical ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time, bend and stoop to grasp objects, frequently push and pull up to 100 lbs., frequently lift loads up to 50 lbs., and occasionally lift 75 lbs.
  • Regularly required to stand; walk; reach; use hands to finger, handle or feel; stoop; kneel; crouch; talk and hear; taste and smell.

Work Environment/ Physical Demands
  • Must have the physical ability to stand for extended periods of time, bend, climb, balance, stoop to grasp objects, kneel, crouch, crawl, frequently push/pull up to 100 lbs., frequently lift and/or move loads up to 50 lbs., and occasionally lift 75 lbs.
  • Ability to enter the coolers and freezers thereby being subjected to and withstanding frequent temperature changes for extended periods of time.
  • Occasional high stress when dealing with systems/customers/staff.
  • Able to work a flexible schedule with various shifts, including weekends and holidays, as determined by the store/business needs and as required to ensure adequate store staffing.
  • Must have reliable source of transportation.
  • The ability to be reached during/after work hours.

Benefits
-Health Insurance Plan (Medical, Dental, Vision)
-401K with employer match
-Supplemental Insurance Plans (Voluntary Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance)
-Paid Vacation
-Paid Lunch Break
-Direct Deposit
-Employee Lunch Program and more!
Starting hourly rates will be no less than the local minimum wage and will vary based on things like location, experience, and qualifications. All positions are eligible for Overtime, and some positions will have guaranteed Overtime available.
Hourly rate for Suburban Stores is $15-$20
Hourly rate for City of Chicago Stores is $17.05-$20

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