Executive Chef

Chicago, IL, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $69,800.00 - $96,100.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental Insurance

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Quarterly bonus program

Job Description

JBM Hospitality is a well-established management company overseeing a diverse portfolio of premium hospitality venues including a high-end, semi-private golf course, three distinguished restaurants such as McWethy’s Tavern, McWethy’s Sports Bar, and The James, two elegant banquet facilities featuring The Great Hall at Mistwood and the Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station, as well as a unique sports dome known as Mistwood Golf Dome. The company is dedicated to creating extraordinary experiences for both customers and employees, fostering a family-like culture founded on exceptional service, shared excitement, and fun. This approach aims to build a lasting brand with long-term profitability... Show More

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Several years of culinary experience preferably in fine dining or upscale casual restaurants
Prior leadership experience in the kitchen including managing teams and operations
Knowledge of food safety regulations and certifications
Strong financial acumen including budgeting and cost control
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays

Job Qualifications

Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, full-service restaurant or hospitality environment focusing on Contemporary American Steakhouse
Demonstrated ability to manage food and labor costs and perform menu cost-outs
Strong leadership skills with a track record of developing culinary teams and building a positive kitchen culture
Ability and willingness to work 50+ hours per week including evenings, weekends, and holidays
Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift 25 lbs, and work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment

Job Duties

Lead the creative development of seasonal menus that reflect The James’ brand identity while remaining financially viable
Host regular brainstorming sessions with the culinary team, inviting Sous Chefs and line cooks to contribute ideas
Develop standardized recipes with precise measurements, plating guides, and photos for every menu item
Evaluate food trends, local ingredient availability, and guest feedback to keep menus fresh, competitive, and relevant
Collaborate with the Director of F&B and Front of House GM on pricing strategy
Plan and execute special event menus, tasting dinners, and seasonal promotions
Strategically delegate training responsibilities to Sous Chefs and hold them accountable
Establish a structured training program for all kitchen levels
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with Sous Chefs to review performance and development goals
Build a bench of kitchen talent through cross-training and promotion pathways
Model leadership behaviors that reflect the company’s values
Recruit, interview, and select kitchen staff focusing on attitude and cultural fit
Develop and implement daily prep checklists and weekly deep-cleaning schedules
Establish a daily line check protocol before each service
Review food waste logs and prep yields at the end of each shift
Maintain presence during peak service periods
Conduct weekly kitchen walk-throughs
Enforce highest standards of food safety and sanitation
Maintain all required certifications
Implement and oversee HACCP framework
Train kitchen staff on allergen awareness and cross-contamination prevention
Perform detailed cost-out analyses for every menu item
Develop and own kitchen’s annual food and labor budgets
Maintain food cost within budgeted targets
Strategically engineer menus for profitability
Oversee product purchasing and vendor invoice approvals
Establish and enforce disciplined inventory systems
Control labor costs through efficient scheduling and real-time adjustments

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)

Job Location

Don't Stop At One Job - There's More

Create a free profile

We'll match you with best jobs

Get job offers faster

Create Your Profile

Search For More Opportunities:

More Jobs Like This: