Job Title: Sous Chef- Commercial Food Operations
Job Location: Des Plaines-USA-60016
Work Location Type: On-Site
Salary Range: $57,774.71 - 72,218.39
About us
LSG Sky Chefs is one of the world’s largest airline catering and hospitality providers, known for its outstanding reputation and dynamic approach in the industry. Voted “Airline Caterer of the Year in North America” for three consecutive years 2023, 2024, and 2025 we are committed to excellence and innovation, driven by the dedication and expertise of our talented employees. Our team members are the heart and soul of our success, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences and outstanding service to our clients and their passengers across North and Latin America.
Position Summary
We’re seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our Chicago Culinary Operations team. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you’ll oversee daily food production, ensure top-tier quality and safety standards, and lead a team in creating diverse, high-quality menus. If you have a passion for culinary excellence, strong leadership skills, and experience in commercial cooking, this is your chance to make an impact in a fast-paced, global catering environment.
- Location: near Chicago O'Hare International Airport
- Schedule: We support a variety of airlines and operate multiple shifts 365/24/7. Flexibility with schedule is a requirement.
How You'll Make a Difference
Food Production
- Executes and supervises food production activities, e.g. proper cleaning, cutting, marinating, seasoning, cooking of food items etc.
- Assumes responsibilities of Executive Chef when he/she not available ie. Vacation, off-days, menu presentation to customers, etc.
- Supervise, coordinate and control kitchen helpers in food storage (e.g. maintaining tidiness, following the first in - first out principle)
- Conducts, coordinates and supervises inventories
- Monitors material consumption and orders required food and equipment on a daily basis to satisfy the daily production plan
- Participates in the development of food products and menus as needed for menu presentations
- Must be aware of content in catering manuals; conducts updates when necessary
- Executes countermeasures in the production in case of customer complaints
- Supports training of kitchen helpers
Quality
- Maintains and monitors hygiene, health and safety standards and monitors that Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations are adhered to
- Maintains and monitors quality, conducts quality control checks according to HACCP regulations
- Conducts quality checks of goods received
- Monitors and ensures compliance with recipe specifications
Leadership
- Ensure that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed and directed
- Guide, motivate and develop the subordinate employees within the Human Resources Policy
- Make the company's values and management principles live in the department(s)
- Implement and control the cost budget in the area of responsibility; initiate and steer corrective actions in case of deviations
- Participate and support company sponsored initiatives such as Global Quality Standard (GQS), HACCP, Lean Manufacturing
What We Look for in a Candidate
- Three to five years of experience in commercial cooking or Apprenticeship or Certification from culinary school required
- Knowledge of food and hygiene regulations (HACCP)
- Understand and demonstrate concepts of financial controls (ex: keep food cost within budget, control stock levels while being cost conscious, minimize waste)
- Good communication and organizational skills
- Service orientation
- Leadership skills
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications
LSG Sky Chefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
