Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL
Chef jobs in Chicago are concentrated in River North, the West Loop, and Fulton Market, across fine dining, hotel food and beverage, and large-scale hospitality groups. Employers actively hiring include Lettuce Entertain You, Wolfoods, and Levy. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Assistant Kitchen Manager
Role Overview
Key Details
Position Type
Seasonal Contract (May – Sept)
Schedule
Full-Time, Exempt (minimum 6 days / 70 hours per week)
Location
On-site (Rural Summer Camp facilities across the US)
Perks Included
Competitive Pay, Bonus, Free RoomBoard, Travel Allowance
About Wolfoods
Wolfoods is elevating camp dining by replacing standard freezer fare with fresh, high-quality, scratch-cooked cuisine. We serve vibrant summer camp communities across the country while providing exceptional care for dietary restrictions, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced, high-energy Assistant Kitchen Manager for a hands-on leadership position. You will oversee all prep and production for designated day part, staff management, and allergen safety at a top-tier summer camp.
This is an on-site, live-in position in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Key Responsibilities
- OperationsLeadership: Lead and train kitchen staff; foster a high-energy, positive environment.
- CulinaryQuality Excellence: Operational flow, portion control, menu specs, scratch cooking execution, and timely meal service.
- AllergenSafety Compliance: Strictly manage food allergy protocols (Kosher, Nut-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, etc.) and maintain top Health Department sanitation standards.
- AdministrationBudget: Manage inventory and assist with daily reporting
- Client Relations: Serve as a liaison between kitchen operations, campers, and camp leadership.
Qualifications
- Experience: 2+ years in a commercial kitchen leadership role with scratch and institutional/batch cooking experience.
- Certifications: ServSafe Allergens required before start date; company-sponsored.
- Skills: Strong leadership, cooking, able to navigate I-Pad, versatile with ingredients, and sharp problem-solving abilities.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, work in hot/cold kitchen settings, and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Lifestyle: Ready to live on-site in a rustic setting, work a demanding minimum 6-day/70-hour week, and thrive under pressure.
What We Offer
- Competitive seasonal pay + performance bonus structure
- Full room and board provided for the duration of the contract
- Travel expense assistance
- Opportunity to lead a dynamic team in a unique, vibrant camp community
Wolfoods Food Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Assistant Kitchen Manager
Role Overview
Key Details
Position Type
Seasonal Contract (May – Sept)
Schedule
Full-Time, Exempt (minimum 6 days / 70 hours per week)
Location
On-site (Rural Summer Camp facilities across the US)
Perks Included
Competitive Pay, Bonus, Free RoomBoard, Travel Allowance
About Wolfoods
Wolfoods is elevating camp dining by replacing standard freezer fare with fresh, high-quality, scratch-cooked cuisine. We serve vibrant summer camp communities across the country while providing exceptional care for dietary restrictions, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced, high-energy Assistant Kitchen Manager for a hands-on leadership position. You will oversee all prep and production for designated day part, staff management, and allergen safety at a top-tier summer camp.
This is an on-site, live-in position in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Key Responsibilities
- OperationsLeadership: Lead and train kitchen staff; foster a high-energy, positive environment.
- CulinaryQuality Excellence: Operational flow, portion control, menu specs, scratch cooking execution, and timely meal service.
- AllergenSafety Compliance: Strictly manage food allergy protocols (Kosher, Nut-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, etc.) and maintain top Health Department sanitation standards.
- AdministrationBudget: Manage inventory and assist with daily reporting
- Client Relations: Serve as a liaison between kitchen operations, campers, and camp leadership.
Qualifications
- Experience: 2+ years in a commercial kitchen leadership role with scratch and institutional/batch cooking experience.
- Certifications: ServSafe Allergens required before start date; company-sponsored.
- Skills: Strong leadership, cooking, able to navigate I-Pad, versatile with ingredients, and sharp problem-solving abilities.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, work in hot/cold kitchen settings, and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Lifestyle: Ready to live on-site in a rustic setting, work a demanding minimum 6-day/70-hour week, and thrive under pressure.
What We Offer
- Competitive seasonal pay + performance bonus structure
- Full room and board provided for the duration of the contract
- Travel expense assistance
- Opportunity to lead a dynamic team in a unique, vibrant camp community
Wolfoods Food Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Find Chef JobsChef Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
Chef Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a chef job in Chicago?
The strongest path into Chicago's chef market is through its dense hospitality corridor stretching from River North through the West Loop and Fulton Market, where independent fine dining, hotel groups, and restaurant concepts cluster. Candidates with experience in high-volume or multi-outlet kitchens stand out, and familiarity with Chicago's seasonal, Midwestern-sourced menus is a real advantage with local operators over national chain experience.
Which companies hire chefs in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring chefs in Chicago include Lettuce Entertain You, Wolfoods, and Levy, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's employer mix skews heavily toward independent restaurant groups, major hotel properties along Michigan Avenue and the Loop, and large convention and catering operations tied to McCormick Place.
Are there remote chef jobs in Chicago?
Remote chef work is rare by nature, since most roles require hands-on kitchen presence. About 0% of chef openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be corporate food development, recipe consulting, or culinary content roles rather than line or kitchen management positions.
How can I get a chef job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point in Chicago is a prep cook or line cook role at one of the city's many high-volume casual dining or hotel banquet operations, which hire regularly and train on the job. Institutions like Navy Pier venues, large sports and entertainment facilities, and hotel groups with multiple food outlets consistently bring in entry-level kitchen staff and promote from within for candidates who show reliability and knife-skills basics.
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