Executive Chef Restaurant Northwestern University Evanston, Il
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Job Location:
Evanston, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 75000 - 80000
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Location: Evanston IL
Position Title: Executive Chef - Restaurant
Salary: $75000 - $80000
Other Forms of Compensation: Full Benefits and 401K
At over 300 college & universities around the countryChartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.
We are seeking hungry humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you.
Job Summary
We are opening a new high-end Pub a new unit at the Northwestern University - Evanston campus in December 2025 and are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Kitchen Manager (Executive Chef) to lead all back-of-house (BOH) operations. This is an exciting opportunity to build a brand-new culinary team and shape the food culture quality standards and operational systems from the ground up.
The ideal candidate is a creative and driven culinary professional with a strong background in fine dining team leadership and kitchen administration. This individual will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality safety and consistency while fostering a collaborative and professional kitchen environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all BOH operations including food preparation service sanitation and staffing.
- Maintain rigorous standards of food quality presentation and taste aligned with the Pubs elevated dining / upscale casual expectations.
- Recruit hire train and mentor kitchen staff; ensure adherence to safety sanitation and culinary best practices.
- Collaborate with the FOH Manager and operational leadership on menu development trend-driven seasonal offerings and special event planning.
- Manage inventory vendor relationships and purchasing to ensure cost-effective procurement of fresh high-quality ingredients.
- Monitor and control food and labor costs implementing strategies to achieve budgetary goals while maintaining quality.
- Ensure full compliance with local health codes food safety regulations and company policies.
- Develop and manage BOH schedules to meet labor and service demands.
- Lead and support the team during peak service periods to ensure smooth and timely execution.
- Conduct regular line checks tastings and quality audits throughout service.
- Foster a positive respectful and high-performance kitchen culture through coaching and accountability.
Job Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of progressive leadership experience in an upscale casual elevated dining or high-volume kitchen environment.
- Prior restaurant experience strongly preferred.
- Strong culinary background and hands-on expertise with fresh high-quality ingredients and modern methods.
- Proven ability to inspire train and manage a diverse culinary team in a high-pressure setting.
- In-depth knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment operations and food safety standards Proficiency in inventory systems food cost analysis labor forecasting and kitchen management software.
- Exceptional organizational communication and time-management skills.
- ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire) required.
- Culinary degree or equivalent formal training preferred.
- Professional demeanor passion for culinary excellence and commitment to delivering a trend-driven approachable and high-class dining experience.
Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!
Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
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.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.
Associates at Chartwells Higher Edare 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 for paid time off benefits information
Req ID:1465237
Chartwells HE
CINDY SCHOENFELD
reqclassification
Key Skills
- Culinary Experience
- Restaurant Experience
- Kitchen Management Experience
- Kitchen Experience
- Labor Cost Analysis
- Catering
- Management Experience
- Cooking
- Cost Control
- Menu Planning
- Sanitation
- Leadership Experience
About Company
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group North America is a family of companies building experiences for all of our customers.
