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Side Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

TRAVELING SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

This is a strong opportunity for a talented Sous Chef who wants to expand their experience, learn a new side of the industry, and build a long-term career with Morrison Healthcare. Apply to Morrison ...

Compass Group

TRAVELING SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

This is a strong opportunity for a talented Sous Chef who wants to expand their experience, learn a new side of the industry, and build a long-term career with Morrison Healthcare. Apply to Morrison ...

Private Listing

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE -- Italian, Chicago An established Chicago restaurant group is looking for the ... The Restaurant We are an Italian restaurant on Chicago's northwest side, built around the cooking ...

Medinah Country Club

Chef de Cuisine

Medinah, IL

$80K - $88K/yr

Know how to balance culinary creativity with the business side of running a kitchen. * Have an eye ... What You'll Be Doing As Chef de Cuisine, you'll lead the day-to-day culinary operation of The Oasis ...

New

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB

Chef de Cuisine (Oasis)

Medinah, IL

$66K - $90K/yr

Know how to balance culinary creativity with the business side of running a kitchen. * Have an eye ... What You'll Be Doing As Chef de Cuisine, you'll lead the day-to-day culinary operation of The Oasis ...

New

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB

Chef de Cuisine (Oasis)

Medinah, IL · On-site

$80K - $88K/yr

Know how to balance culinary creativity with the business side of running a kitchen. * Have an eye ... What You'll Be Doing As Chef de Cuisine, you'll lead the day-to-day culinary operation of The Oasis ...

New

58EOS LLC

Esquire Pastry Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

Executive Chef Why Esquire Esquire is a 265-seat luxury steakhouse in Chicago's Gold Coast where ... side. What You'll Do * Develop and execute the dessert, pastry, and bread programs to the EC ...

Perry's Restaurants

Busser

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$9/hr

Carve appropriate entrees including pork chops, Chateaubriand and bone-in New York strip steaks table-side for guests. * Assist chef team with continual upkeep of kitchen including restocking of ...

Perry's Restaurants

Busser

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$9/hr

Carve appropriate entrees including pork chops, Chateaubriand and bone-in New York strip steaks table-side for guests. * Assist chef team with continual upkeep of kitchen including restocking of ...

Perry's Restaurants

Busser

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$9/hr

Carve appropriate entrees including pork chops, Chateaubriand and bone-in New York strip steaks table-side for guests. * Assist chef team with continual upkeep of kitchen including restocking of ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Busser

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$9/hr

Carve appropriate entrees including pork chops, Chateaubriand and bone-in New York strip steaks table-side for guests. * Assist chef team with continual upkeep of kitchen including restocking of ...

DRG Employer LLC

Line Cook Eddie Merlots

Lincolnshire, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Communicate with Executive Chef or Sous Chef to learn about nightly specials, guest flow, banquets ... Perform side and closing duties as assigned, following checklists. Assist with sanitary food ...

DRG Employer LLC

Line Cook - EM

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Communicate with Executive Chef or Sous Chef to learn about nightly specials, guest flow, banquets ... Perform side and closing duties as assigned, following checklists. Assist with sanitary food ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Busser

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$9/hr

Carve appropriate entrees including pork chops, Chateaubriand and bone-in New York strip steaks table-side for guests. * Assist chef team with continual upkeep of kitchen including restocking of ...

DRG Employer LLC

Line Cook - EM

Warrenville, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Communicate with Executive Chef or Sous Chef to learn about nightly specials, guest flow, banquets ... Perform side and closing duties as assigned, following checklists. Assist with sanitary food ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSide Chef JobsSide Chef Jobs in Illinois

Side Chef information

What is a side chef?

A side chef, often referred to as a sous chef, is the second-in-command in a professional kitchen. They assist the head chef in managing kitchen operations, supervising other staff, and ensuring that dishes are prepared to high standards. Side chefs are responsible for tasks like preparing ingredients, overseeing cooking stations, and helping with menu planning. Their role is essential for maintaining kitchen efficiency and food quality.

What are some common challenges a side chef faces when supporting the head chef in a busy kitchen?

As a Side Chef, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple tasks simultaneously, such as prepping ingredients, ensuring food quality, and assisting with plating, all while maintaining clear communication with the Head Chef and other team members. The fast-paced environment requires strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities or sudden high-volume orders. Additionally, Side Chefs are often responsible for stepping in during absences or rush periods, which demands flexibility and a strong understanding of kitchen operations. Developing efficient workflows and fostering positive teamwork are key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Side Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often gained through culinary school or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and safe food handling certifications is commonly required. Strong teamwork, time management, and communication skills help Side Chefs excel in fast-paced kitchen environments. These abilities ensure efficient food preparation, maintain high standards of quality and safety, and support overall kitchen success.

What is the difference between Side Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectSide ChefLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary trainingFood safety certification, culinary training
Work EnvironmentAssists main kitchen staff, supports prep and platingPrepares dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, hotelsRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Side Chef and a Line Cook is that a Side Chef typically supports the kitchen team by assisting with prep, plating, and other tasks, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes during service on the kitchen line. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the Side Chef often has a broader support role, whereas the Line Cook is more directly involved in cooking during busy hours.

What are popular job titles related to Side Chef jobs in Illinois?

For Side Chef jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Side Chef jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Side Chef jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Side Chef jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Side Chef job openings:

Side Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Side Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

TRAVELING SOUS CHEF

Compass Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Position Title: TRAVELING SOUS
Pay Grade: 12
Reports To: DIVISION CEC
Salary: $55,000 - $60,000
Other Forms of Compensation: PER DIEM
Morrison Healthcare,a Compass Healthcare company, is a leader in healthcare food and nutrition services company, serving more than 1,000 hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized dining experiences for patients and in their cafés to advance the healing and healthful missions of its clients. Morrison has been serving some of the nation's largest health systems for more than 70 years, and it leverages culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise to provide consistency and transform the healthcare experience. Since 2012, Morrison has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work and Training Magazine has named it a Top 125/APEX Award Training Organization. Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually.
This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the 'job search' in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on 'referral tracking.' For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com.
Job Summary
TRAVELING SOUS CHEF
10 DAYS ON, 4 DAYS OFF | TRAVEL | CAREER GROWTH
Ready to take the next step in your culinary career? Morrison Healthcare is looking for an up-and-coming Sous Chef who wants to travel, learn healthcare foodservice, and grow within our company.
This position works a 10 days on, 4 days off schedule and supports Morrison Healthcare accounts as needed. You will work alongside experienced culinary leaders, gain exposure to different hospital operations, and build the skills needed for future leadership opportunities.
$55 - $60K + per diem
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Support culinary operations at different Morrison Healthcare accounts
  • Partner with Executive Chefs on daily production and kitchen operations
  • Assist with menu planning, purchasing, inventory, and food cost controls
  • Prepare high-quality food for patient dining, retail, and catering
  • Help execute catering events and special functions
  • Train and support hourly culinary associates
  • Maintain strong standards for food quality, presentation, sanitation, and safety
  • Assist with new menu concepts and culinary programs

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • Progressive culinary or kitchen leadership experience
  • Strong cooking skills and a passion for quality food
  • Ability and willingness to travel
  • Comfortable working a 10 days on, 4 days off schedule
  • Experience in restaurants, hotels, catering, contract foodservice, or high-volume kitchens
  • Strong organization, communication, and leadership skills
  • Knowledge of food cost, sanitation, production, and presentation
  • Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred
  • ServSafe certification preferred
  • Basic computer skills

Healthcare experience is not required. This is a strong opportunity for a talented Sous Chef who wants to expand their experience, learn a new side of the industry, and build a long-term career with Morrison Healthcare.
Apply to Morrison Healthcare today!
Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
Associates at Morrison Healthcare are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.
Req ID: 1555165
Morrison Healthcare
MICHAEL GREMBA
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