Sous Chef Jobs in Illinois
Sous chef jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, the state's dominant culinary hub, along with Evanston and Naperville, where demand runs from independent fine-dining kitchens to large hospitality groups. Employers with a lasting presence in Illinois include Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Sodexo, all of which maintain active culinary operations across the state. The most in-demand specialties are contemporary American cuisine, large-scale banquet production, and farm-to-table concepts tied to the Midwest food scene. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Sous Chef JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 85+ Sous Chef jobs
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.
See All 85 Sous Chef Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Sous Chef JobsSous Chef Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Sous Chef Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in sous chef jobs across Illinois.
- Minimum two to three years of line or kitchen leadership experience in a professional setting
- Demonstrated ability to manage kitchen staff, scheduling, and daily prep operations
- Proficiency in menu development, recipe costing, and food waste reduction
- Food handler certification recognized under Illinois Department of Public Health regulations
- Experience maintaining compliance with Illinois food safety and sanitation standards
- Strong knowledge of inventory management, ordering, and vendor relationships
Sous Chef Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a sous chef in Illinois?
Becoming a sous chef in Illinois typically starts with a culinary degree or diploma from a program like those at Kendall College or College of DuPage, followed by several years of progressive kitchen experience. Illinois does not require a state culinary license for sous chefs, but employers consistently expect a food handler or food protection manager certification compliant with Illinois Department of Public Health standards. Advancing from line cook to chef de partie before pursuing sous chef roles is the most reliable path.
Which companies hire sous chefs in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring sous chefs in Illinois include Lettuce Entertain You, SEOULSPICE, and American Cruise Lines, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of hotel groups, restaurant conglomerates, and university dining programs means hiring activity stays consistent across both downtown Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Which Illinois cities have the most sous chef jobs?
Chicago, Evanston, and Glenview are the Illinois cities with the most sous chef openings. Chicago drives the majority of listings because of its scale as a national dining destination with a high density of full-service restaurants, hotel kitchens, and catering operations, while smaller cities like Evanston and Naperville add volume through institutional dining, corporate campuses, and mid-market hospitality venues in the broader metro area.
Are there remote sous chef jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Sous chef work is fundamentally hands-on and requires physical presence in a kitchen, so remote arrangements are uncommon. About 0% of sous chef openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those listings tend to be for culinary consulting, menu development, or recipe testing roles rather than traditional kitchen management positions.
How can I get hired as a sous chef in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a prep cook or commis position at a large Illinois employer such as a Hyatt property, a Lettuce Entertain You concept, or a university dining program like those at Northwestern or the University of Chicago. These employers run structured kitchen hierarchies that give entry-level cooks clear advancement tracks. Earning a food protection manager certification recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health and building experience in high-volume production or banquet settings will make you a stronger candidate for a sous chef role sooner.
Where can I find and apply to sous chef jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to sous chef jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across Chicago and surrounding metro areas. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and preferred kitchen environment, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 85 Sous Chef Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Sous Chef Jobs