Sous Chef

Title: Sous Chef — Private Chef & Catering Operation Location: Chicago, IL (The Hatchery) Job Type: Full-time Compensation: $50,000-$70,000

About LPM Kitchen

LPM Kitchen is a growing private chef and catering business serving Chicago and the North Shore. We cook weekly meals for a roster of high-trust households, run offsite catering events with live-fire elements, and partner with gyms and wellness studios across the city. We're at a real inflection point — at capacity for our weekly service, expanding into a second kitchen, and building out a full catering and bakery program. The right person will help shape what comes next.

The Role

We're hiring a Sous Chef to be the #2 in our kitchen and a key partner in growing this business. You'll cook alongside the chef, lead production on busy days, and own execution on offsite catering events.

What you'll do:

• Lead volume batch cooking for our weekly meal service (Sundays)
• Execute offsite catering events, including live-fire cooking — wood-fired pizza, charcoal grilling, open-flame cooking
• Develop and refine recipes for our rotating weekly menu
• Help build out our growing catering program, including operations and event leadership
• Produce kitchen documentation — prep lists, recipes, event briefs, station maps
• Assist with Sunday delivery routes across Chicago and the North Shore

Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday. Wednesday and Sunday are half days. Tuesday and Monday off.

What we're looking for:

• 3+ years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 1 year at a sous-level or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience in offsite catering and event execution
• Comfort with live-fire cooking (pizza ovens, charcoal, grilling)
• Strong organizational skills — you can build a prep list and a station setup that runs without you standing over it
• Leadership experience — you've led a small team through service or an event
• Valid driver's license and reliable personal vehicle (required — you'll be helping with deliveries)
• ServSafe or willingness to obtain
• Calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and genuinely interested in food

What you'll get:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• A real seat at the table as we grow — input on menu, hiring, and direction
• A team that respects each other and a kitchen that runs clean
• Predictable schedule (no late nights, two consecutive days off)
• [Add: PTO, health stipend, meals, anything else you offer]

To apply: Send a resume and a short note about why this role interests you.