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Lean Kitchen Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Carter Hoffmann, LLC

Plant Manager

Mundelein, IL · On-site

... productivity while utilizing lean principles. · Collaborate with Engineering to optimize ... or commercial kitchen systems preferred. · Experience with ERP systems preferably CSI. · ...

Chick-fil-A

Front of House Night Manager

Matteson, IL

$21 - $28/hr

Maintaining a LEAN production environment * Coaching, evaluating, and providing accountability for all kitchen and (or) Team Members * Troubleshooting and repairing equipment and facilities * Ensure ...

Chick-fil-A

Front of House Night Manager

Matteson, IL

$21 - $28/hr

Maintaining a LEAN production environment * Coaching, evaluating, and providing accountability for all kitchen and (or) Team Members * Troubleshooting and repairing equipment and facilities * Ensure ...

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC

Supervisor, Quality

Arthur, IL · On-site

$61K - $96K/yr

... the kitchen, bath and other parts of the home. Come see why our associates love working at ... Experience with Lean Manufacturingor Continuous Improvement methodologies. * Experience supporting ...

MasterBrand Cabinets LLC

Supervisor, Quality

Arthur, IL · On-site

$61K - $96K/yr

... the kitchen, bath and other parts of the home. Come see why our associates love working at ... Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement methodologies. * Experience supporting ...

tastytrade

Fraud Analyst

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

Full kitchen with snacks and beverages * In-building gym * Shuttle to/from Metra Base Salary Range ... We're a lean, collaborative team that values autonomy, pragmatism, and impact. Whether you're ...

tastytrade

Trade Desk Representative

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full kitchen with snacks and beverages * In-building gym * Shuttle to/from Metra Salary Range: $70 ... We're a lean, collaborative team that values autonomy, pragmatism, and impact. Whether you're ...

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Showing results 21-40

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Lean Kitchen information

What is a lean kitchen?

A Lean Kitchen is a meal preparation company or service that focuses on providing healthy, portion-controlled meals, often catering to those looking for convenient, nutritious food options. Employees at Lean Kitchen typically prepare meals, manage inventory, assist customers, and ensure food safety standards are met. Some roles may also involve packaging meals, handling orders, and providing nutritional information to clients. The overall goal is to help customers maintain a balanced diet with minimal effort on their part.

What are common challenges faced by team members in a lean kitchen environment, and how can they be addressed?

Team members working in a Lean Kitchen often face challenges such as maintaining high efficiency during peak hours, minimizing food waste, and strictly adhering to standardized processes. To address these challenges, effective communication, ongoing training, and a strong focus on teamwork are essential. Many Lean Kitchens implement regular check-ins and process reviews to identify bottlenecks and continuously improve workflow, ensuring everyone is aligned and able to adapt quickly to changing demands.

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

To thrive as a Lean Kitchen Manager, you need expertise in food safety, inventory management, and process improvement, often supported by experience in culinary operations and Lean Six Sigma certification. Familiarity with kitchen management software, HACCP systems, and lean manufacturing tools is highly beneficial. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, minimize waste, and consistently deliver high-quality meals in a cost-effective manner.

What is the difference between Lean Kitchen vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectLean KitchenKitchen Assistant
CertificationsBasic food safety, lean principlesFood safety, basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, food production facilitiesRestaurants, catering services
Industry UsageFood manufacturing, lean process implementationFood service, restaurant support

Lean Kitchen professionals focus on optimizing food production processes using lean principles, often requiring knowledge of efficiency and waste reduction. Kitchen Assistants support daily kitchen operations with basic culinary skills and food safety knowledge. While both roles work in food environments, Lean Kitchen roles emphasize process improvement, whereas Kitchen Assistants focus on operational support.

What are popular job titles related to Lean Kitchen jobs in Illinois?

For Lean Kitchen jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lean Kitchen jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Lean Kitchen jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Lean Kitchen jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Lean Kitchen job openings:

Lean Kitchen jobs near you

General Manager-Airline Catering Operations

LSG Sky Chefs

Glenview, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

LSG Group rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

336th of 365 rated logistics

Job description

Job Title: General Manager-Airline Catering Operations
Job Location: Des Plaines-USA-60016
Work Location Type: On-Site

About us
Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.
Role Purpose Statement

We’re growing fast in Chicago, and we’re looking for a dynamic General Manager to help lead the momentum. As the day‑to‑day operational driver for one of our largest and most complex sites, you’ll guide multi‑shift teams, elevate performance across production, logistics, and quality, and ensure we deliver outstanding service at scale.

Reporting to the VP of Operations, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how this high‑volume operation runs today and evolves for tomorrow. If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, love solving operational challenges, and are energized by building high‑performing teams, this is an opportunity to make a major impact in a flagship location.

Location: Des Plaines, IL near O'Hare International Airport

Main Accountabilities

Business Strategy and Policies

  • Execute the VP’s strategic direction for Chicago Operations, ensuring site priorities align with corporate objectives.
  • Foster strong customer relationships through ongoing engagement, service alignment, and proactive resolution of issues to ensure long-term partnership and satisfaction.
  • Co-lead facility management, investments, expansion, and operational allocation by overseeing infrastructure assessments, evaluating ROI for capital projects, and coordinating with engineering and logistics teams to ensure capacity readiness and operational efficiency.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency through site-level process improvement initiatives, deployment of lean tools, and adoption of new technologies.

Managing Business

  • Partnering with the VP, oversee site-level financial and operational performance through KPI monitoring, root cause analyses, and implementation of corrective measures to meet or exceed targets.
  • In alignment with VP priorities, lead resource planning, cost optimization, and investment prioritization to ensure sustainable, efficient operations.
  • Driving VP-directed initiatives, optimize resources and investments by leading regional CAPEX planning, workforce coordination, and strategic supplier negotiations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize ROI.
  • Ensuring compliance for the VP, maintain regulatory and safety standards by deploying and auditing global frameworks (GQS, HACCP) and leading preventive campaigns and corrective actions.
  • Executing VP-led labor strategies, implement national union agreements at the site level, provide guidance to HR and operational leaders, and address labor issues to maintain compliance and effective employee relations.

Leadership

  • Developing leadership in partnership with the VP, build a high-performing leadership structure, drive succession planning, and encourage cross-functional collaboration.
  • Promoting engagement on behalf of the VP, foster employee engagement through regular communication, feedback mechanisms, and initiatives aligned with engagement results.
  • Supporting VP leadership initiatives, identify high-potential talent, prepare the next generation of leaders through coaching, and advance regional mobility opportunities.
  • Safeguarding operational excellence for the VP, coordinate internal audits, support external inspections, and execute crisis preparedness activities to mitigate risk and ensure regulatory adherence.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience


  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within the airline catering industry
  • Proven experience leading large, complex operations with 500+ employees
  • Demonstrated success leading multi-layer leadership teams including managers and directors
  • Strong operational and financial acumen with experience managing site performance metrics
  • Experience operating in fast-paced, highly regulated environments

Preferred

  • Experience managing unionized workforces
  • Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience

SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

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