Chef Manager

Chef Manager:
Salary: $70,000 - $75,0000 annually
Schedule: Day shifts 5 days a week. (Weekend availabilty required)
Location: Downtown, Chicago

Your Culinary Expertise. Your Leadership. Your Opportunity to Grow.

At Food For Thought, we believe exceptional dining experiences begin with people who care about their craft, take pride in their work, and understand the value of working together.

We are seeking an experienced Chef Manager who brings strong culinary knowledge, a commitment to quality, and a genuine passion for supporting others. This is an opportunity to apply your expertise in a professional corporate dining environment where collaboration, consistency, and exceptional hospitality are at the heart of everything we do.

As our Chef Manager, you'll oversee culinary and café operations, guide Front of House and Back of House teams, and help create a welcoming dining experience for our clients and guests. You'll work alongside a supportive leadership team, share your knowledge, and contribute to an environment where employees feel valued and equipped to succeed.

We understand that great culinary professionals want more than a position. They want to be part of a team they can count on, have clear expectations, and know their contributions make a difference.

If you're a dedicated culinary leader who values teamwork, takes pride in delivering quality, and enjoys helping others succeed, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Share Your Culinary Expertise

• Oversee daily kitchen and culinary operations, ensuring consistent food quality, flavor, presentation, and execution.
• Apply your culinary knowledge to maintain established standards, recipes, and preparation techniques.
• Stay informed of industry trends and contribute thoughtful ideas that enhance the café's dining experience.
• Partner with the General Manager and Chef's Committee to implement new menus, promotions, and culinary initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying practical ways to strengthen food quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

Support, Guide, and Develop Your Team

• Lead Front of House and Back of House teams with professionalism, patience, and clear communication.
• Provide hands-on coaching, structured training, and ongoing guidance to help employees build confidence and develop their skills.
• Establish clear expectations and consistent procedures that help team members succeed.
• Create a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where employees feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and supporting one another.
• Develop training schedules and career development opportunities that encourage employee engagement and long-term growth.
• Foster strong team relationships through dependable leadership, accountability, and mutual respect.

Build Lasting Client and Guest Relationships

• Develop trusted relationships with clients through professionalism, responsiveness, and consistent service.
• Serve as a reliable point of contact, ensuring client expectations are understood and met.
• Monitor guest satisfaction, welcome feedback, and work collaboratively to address concerns.
• Maintain a welcoming café environment that reflects Food For Thought's commitment to exceptional hospitality.

Maintain Consistent and Reliable Operations

• Manage daily culinary and café operations with an emphasis on organization, efficiency, and dependable execution.
• Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), sanitation requirements, food safety regulations, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards.
• Oversee food costs, labor costs, inventory, and direct operating expenses in alignment with established budgets and forecasts.
• Maintain organized kitchen systems, consistent workflows, and clearly communicated operational procedures.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify challenges, develop practical solutions, and support operational improvements.
• Perform additional responsibilities and support operational initiatives as needed.

What Makes You a Great Fit

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of food service management experience.
• Strong culinary knowledge and experience overseeing kitchen and food service operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and support culinary and service teams.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and consistency in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with computer systems and operational management tools.
• Valid Food Service Manager Certificate and Food Allergen Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• A passion for culinary arts and a commitment to consistently delivering high-quality food and hospitality.
• A collaborative leadership style that emphasizes communication, team development, and mutual respect.
• Experience providing structured training, coaching, and professional development to employees.
• Strong attention to detail and an organized approach to culinary operations.
• Experience with food cost management, labor budgeting, inventory control, and financial accountability.
• The ability to approach challenges thoughtfully, adapt to changing needs, and develop practical solutions.
• Experience in corporate dining, contract food service, or a comparable hospitality environment.
• A commitment to building positive working relationships with clients, guests, and colleagues.

Why We're the Leaders

A rewarding career starts with the right people, the right support, and the opportunity to do work you can be proud of.

At Food For Thought, we know that talented culinary professionals do their best work when they feel supported, respected, and connected to their team.

We are committed to providing a workplace where employees have the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Here's what you can expect:

• Excellent Training: Comprehensive training, clear expectations, and ongoing support to help you succeed in your role.
• Employee Referral Bonuses: Recognition for helping us build a team of talented professionals.
• Flexible Scheduling: Scheduling options that support operational needs while recognizing the importance of work-life balance.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Opportunities to strengthen your skills, expand your knowledge, and grow within the organization.
• Competitive Pay: Compensation that recognizes your experience, expertise, and contributions.
• Anniversary Milestone Incentives: Recognition for your dedication and long-term commitment to Food For Thought.

Company Benefits & Perks

At Food For Thought, we believe taking care of our people is essential to building a strong and successful organization. Our benefits and perks are designed to support your well-being, professional development, and future.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, including spouse and domestic partner coverage
  • Medical: Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Dental: Guardian
  • Vision: VSP
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering support for:
  • Mental health and emotional well-being
  • Relationship conflicts
  • Childcare and eldercare
  • Substance abuse
  • Grief and loss
  • Assistance for employees and household members
  • Three in-person sessions
  • Unlimited phone access
• Parental Leave, with equal benefits for mothers and fathers
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• FFT University, featuring more than 70 courses designed to enhance your professional and personal skills
• Employee Meal Plan
• Employee Discounts