Senior Lifestyle logo

Sous Chef

Naperville, IL, USA|Remote, Onsite

Job Overview

briefcase

Employment Type

Full-time
clock

Work Schedule

Standard Hours
diamond

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Professional Development
flexible schedule

Job Description

Senior Lifestyle is a reputable Chicago-based company specializing in the ownership, operation, and development of senior living communities. Established in 1985, the company has grown to become one of the top 10 senior living providers nationwide. Senior Lifestyle offers a diverse range of living options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services. The company caters to a wide spectrum of residents by offering communities that range from luxury accommodations to affordable living solutions. Senior Lifestyle is deeply rooted in its core values, summarized by the acronym HEART — Hospitality, Excellence, Appreciation, Respect, and Teamwork. These values guide its approach to delivering personalized care, vibrant community programming, and high-quality dining experiences in its communities. With an emphasis on creating comfortable, supportive environments where seniors can thrive, Senior Lifestyle commits to fostering wellbeing and quality of life for its residents through dedicated service and comprehensive amenities.

The role of Sous Chef at Senior Lifestyle is a critical leadership position within the culinary team. Acting as the right hand to the head chef or executive chef, the sous chef plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the kitchen. This includes managing daily operations, supervising line cooks and kitchen staff directly, and maintaining rigorous standards for food quality and safety. The sous chef is often considered the 'backbone' of the kitchen, balancing hands-on cooking responsibilities with the management and coordination of kitchen activities. This hybrid role requires not only culinary expertise but also strong leadership skills, as the sous chef oversees training, scheduling, and mentoring of staff. The sous chef also takes on operational control of the kitchen when the head chef is unavailable, ensuring consistency and excellence in all culinary output. This position demands someone who can multitask effectively, maintain organization in a fast-paced environment, and collaborate closely with the entire kitchen team to uphold the company's standards and core values. Working within the Senior Lifestyle framework means embracing the HEART values and contributing to a positive, respectful, and efficient kitchen atmosphere dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences for senior residents. This position offers the opportunity to grow professionally within a well-established company that values both culinary mastery and compassionate service.

Job Requirements

  • professional culinary training
  • experience in kitchen management
  • knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards
  • inventory management experience
  • strong communication skills
  • ability to work collaboratively
  • attention to detail
  • organizational and time management skills
  • adaptability to on-site and remote work environments
  • previous hospitality experience highly desirable

Job Qualifications

  • professional culinary training with cooking techniques, food preparation, and recipe development
  • experience in kitchen management, staff training, and leadership
  • knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards
  • familiarity with inventory management practices
  • ability to work collaboratively in team settings with strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • attention to detail, organizational capabilities, and time management skills
  • familiarity with hybrid workplace settings
  • previous experience in kitchen or hospitality setting

Job Duties

  • delegating tasks to kitchen brigade
  • creating staff schedules
  • training new cooks
  • overseeing the line to ensure high-quality, consistent food
  • taking control of the kitchen when the head chef is absent
  • assisting with menu development
  • managing inventory and food ordering
  • ensuring all plates meet restaurant standards before leaving the kitchen
  • maintaining health department standards
  • mentoring staff
  • resolving conflicts
  • communicating between head chef and staff
  • managing inventory, equipment, and production flow

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


Job Location

Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.

We'll match you with best jobs

Get job offers faster

Business woman
Business man
Search For More Opportunities:

How Candidates Get Hired Faster

Apply to 2–3 similar roles

Complete profile & get best matches

Check new opportunities daily

Woman chef
Man chef