Restaurant Chef

Chicago, Illinois

$105,000–$115,000

Full-Time

Bring Your Creativity to a High-End Chicago Kitchen

A luxury hospitality operation in Chicago is seeking a Restaurant Chef to lead its restaurant kitchen. This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on culinary leader who brings creativity, operational discipline, and a passion for developing talented teams.

The Restaurant Chef will oversee daily restaurant kitchen operations, guide seasonal menu development, and deliver exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily restaurant kitchen operations, maintaining high standards for taste, quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Develop seasonal menus that reflect local ingredients, guest preferences, and the restaurant’s culinary direction.
• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and develop kitchen team members.
• Provide hands-on leadership during preparation and service.
• Manage food costs, inventory, purchasing, portion control, and waste reduction.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and HACCP compliance.
• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to coordinate service and enhance the guest experience.
• Foster a kitchen culture built on communication, accountability, teamwork, and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree, certification, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least five years of progressive culinary experience, including two years in a leadership role such as Restaurant Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Senior Sous Chef, or a comparable position.
• Experience in luxury hospitality or high-end restaurants preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish and working proficiency in English required.
• Strong culinary technique, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Experience managing food costs, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen staffing.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and coaching skills.
• A hands-on leadership style and commitment to exceptional guest experiences.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary of $105,000–$115,000.
• Incentive potential.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid time off and holiday benefits.
• Employee meals.
• Dry cleaning benefits.
• Employee travel discounts.
• Learning and professional development programs.

Apply Today

Bring your culinary talent and leadership to a high-end Chicago dining experience. Submit your resume for confidential consideration.

Jay Bush

jay@geckohospitality.com