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General Manager / Chef Manager

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $61,710.00 - $79,860.00
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Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision care
wellness programs
401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
Paid Time Off
company holidays
Career growth opportunities
Tuition Reimbursement

Job Description

Sodexo is a global leader in quality of life services, dedicated to improving the daily lives of people through a comprehensive range of food services and integrated facilities management solutions. The company partners with businesses, institutions, and communities worldwide to create safe, vibrant, and eco-friendly environments. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, Sodexo fosters a workplace culture that values each individual, promotes respect, and ensures fairness. Known for its innovative approaches and emphasis on employee and customer satisfaction, Sodexo offers a variety of opportunities for career growth and development across numerous sectors. The company’s reputation is built on delivering exceptional experiences in food service, catering, and facilities management, leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.

Sodexo is currently seeking a highly accomplished General Manager/Chef Manager to lead a dynamic, fast-paced Corporate Services account in Chicago, IL. This role is a perfect fit for a skilled and creative chef who enjoys being hands-on in the kitchen while also managing a 5-6 day per week food service operation, including daily lunch service and high-end, innovative catering. The position requires a unique blend of culinary expertise and strong leadership capabilities to ensure both the quality of food and operational efficiency. Responsibilities encompass managing budgets, controlling costs, purchasing, inventory, and scheduling, all while fostering strong client partnerships through exceptional guest experiences and culinary innovation.

The ideal candidate will have proven success in culinary leadership combined with business management skills. They must be able to develop and inspire teams, adapting to evolving demands in a high-volume, quality-driven environment. Effective communication skills and financial acumen are essential to drive operational success and customer satisfaction. This role offers the opportunity to be part of a respected and forward-thinking company that prioritizes employee growth and community impact, all while working in a vibrant city with diverse culinary preferences. Sodexo’s corporate environment emphasizes safety, sustainability, and customer service excellence, creating an ideal platform for a passionate food service professional to thrive and advance their career. Compensation is competitive and reflective of experience, education, and skills, with a comprehensive benefits package available.

Job Requirements

  • Minimum education requirement - associate's degree or equivalent experience
  • Minimum management experience - 2 years
  • Minimum functional experience - 2 years

Job Qualifications

  • Culinary degree or equivalent experience with a strong background in hands-on food production and leadership within high-volume quality-driven environments
  • Proven ability to lead develop and inspire teams across both kitchen and service operations including hiring training and performance management
  • Demonstrated experience in high-end catering menu development and creative culinary execution with a focus on quality and presentation
  • Strong financial and operational acumen including budgeting cost control purchasing inventory and labor management
  • In-depth knowledge of food safety sanitation and kitchen best practices with a commitment to maintaining high standards
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while delivering exceptional service and building strong client relationships

Job Duties

  • Provide hands-on front- and back-of-house leadership actively cooking while ensuring operational excellence culinary quality and consistent service standards
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients vendors and internal teams aligning menu development and execution with client expectations
  • Train mentor and develop a diverse team across culinary and service functions fostering a high-performance culture
  • Lead high-end large-volume catering including menu creation preparation execution and presentation with a focus on creativity and guest satisfaction
  • Champion a customer-centric culture through elevated culinary experiences innovation and exceptional service
  • Oversee business operations including budgeting cost control purchasing inventory and scheduling while maintaining strong client partnerships

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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