Chef Manager

Food for Thought•Lincolnwood, IL

11d

About The Position

Are you ready to bring your culinary passion and leadership skills to the next level? Food For Thought is hiring a Chef Manager to oversee both the Front and Back of House teams across our Chicagoland café locations. In this role, you’ll set the vision for your kitchen, stay ahead of industry trends, and ensure flawless execution of menus, promotions, and client expectations. You’re a cautious risk-taker who thrives in a fast-paced environment—balancing creativity with operational excellence. You hold yourself and others to high standards, manage costs with precision, and know how to keep both customers and employees satisfied. With at least 5 years in food service management and the ability to adapt quickly, you’re self-sufficient, direct, and motivated to lead teams to success.

Requirements

5+ years in Food Service Management.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication and leadership skills.
Proficient computer skills and exceptional organizational skills.
Must provide valid Food Service Manager Certificate and Food Allergen Certification.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts.
A passion for culinary arts, with a desire for creativity.
Ability to budget and manage inventory.
Creativity and adaptability to challenges.

Responsibilities

Measuring customer satisfaction levels through feedback and resolving any issues immediately.
Working with the District Manager to maintain 100% compliance with the new menu and promo rollouts from the chef’s committee.
Acting as the liaison with the client to ensure expectations are met.
Managing and maintaining all SOP and HACCP standards.
Demonstrating financial expertise and accountability in managing Food, Labor and Direct costs against budgets and forecasts.
Other duties as required or assigned.

Benefits

Excellent training
Employee Referral bonuses
Flexible scheduling
Career advancement opportunities
Competitive Pay
Anniversary Milestone Incentives
Paid Time Off
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance – Includes Spouse and Domestic Partner Coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Paid Life Insurance ($50K by the company, optional additional coverage)
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) & Critical Illness Insurance
Short Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Mental Health, Relationship Conflicts, Child and Eldercare, Substance Abuse, Grief and Loss
Assistance for you and household members
In Person Sessions
Unlimited phone access
Parental Leave – Equal benefits to Mothers and Fathers
401K Retirement Plan
FFT University - Over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job to help your career growth.
Employee Meal Plan
Employee Discounts (Pet Insurance, Entertainment, Travel, Company Discounts, and much more).