Job Description

Position Title: Catering Sous Chef-Obama Presidential Center

Salary: $80,000

Our Passion is Food!

At Bon Appetit Management Company, we are committed to two things: great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit, you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries; instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting-edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translate into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary

Join the culinary team at the Obama Presidential Center and help bring a world-class culinary and hospitality program to one of Chicago’s most prestigious cultural destinations.

As Catering Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role in executing exceptional on-site catering and special events, ranging from intimate receptions and VIP experiences to high-profile programs and large-scale functions.

This is an exciting opportunity to help build a new operation from the ground up while creating memorable culinary experiences centered on community, culture, and hospitality.

Working alongside the Executive Chef, you will lead catering production and execution, coach and develop culinary associates, and ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, consistency, and service.

This role is ideal for a hands-on culinary leader with strong catering, banquet, and high-volume production experience who thrives in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead culinary production and execution for on-site catering, special events, receptions, VIP functions, and large-scale programs.
• Partner with the Executive Chef and event teams to ensure seamless execution from preparation through service.
• Coordinate production timelines, prep, plating, presentation, and culinary execution for multiple events.
• Lead, coach, train, and develop culinary associates while fostering teamwork and accountability.
• Prepare and oversee high-quality, scratch-made food with exceptional consistency, flavor, and presentation.
• Support catering menu development, seasonal offerings, tastings, and customized event menus.
• Manage high-volume production, batch cooking, portioning, inventory, and event-specific preparation.
• Assist with purchasing, receiving, food cost controls, and waste reduction.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and workplace safety.
• Collaborate across culinary, catering, operations, and hospitality teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent culinary education and professional experience.
• 3+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in catering, banquets, hotels, convention centers, cultural venues, or high-volume hospitality.
• Strong experience with on-site catering, banquet production, and large-scale event execution.
• Experience managing multiple events and production priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong background in scratch cooking, batch cooking, high-volume production, and elevated presentation.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop culinary teams.
• Knowledge of food cost management, purchasing, inventory control, and waste reduction.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• ServSafe Certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Flexibility to support an event-driven operation, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1579546

Bon Appetit

JoEtta Barnes