Catering Sous Chef-Obama Presidential Center

Catering Sous Chef-Obama Presidential Center

Join the culinary team at the Obama Presidential Center and help bring a world-class culinary and hospitality program to one of Chicago's most prestigious cultural destinations.

As Catering Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role in executing exceptional on-site catering and special events, ranging from intimate receptions and VIP experiences to high-profile programs and large-scale functions.

This is an exciting opportunity to help build a new operation from the ground up while creating memorable culinary experiences centered on community, culture, and hospitality.

Working alongside the Executive Chef, you will lead catering production and execution, coach and develop culinary associates, and ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, consistency, and service.

This role is ideal for a hands-on culinary leader with strong catering, banquet, and high-volume production experience who thrives in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead culinary production and execution for on-site catering, special events, receptions, VIP functions, and large-scale programs.
• Partner with the Executive Chef and event teams to ensure seamless execution from preparation through service.
• Coordinate production timelines, prep, plating, presentation, and culinary execution for multiple events.
• Lead, coach, train, and develop culinary associates while fostering teamwork and accountability.
• Prepare and oversee high-quality, scratch-made food with exceptional consistency, flavor, and presentation.
• Support catering menu development, seasonal offerings, tastings, and customized event menus.
• Manage high-volume production, batch cooking, portioning, inventory, and event-specific preparation.
• Assist with purchasing, receiving, food cost controls, and waste reduction.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and workplace safety.
• Collaborate across culinary, catering, operations, and hospitality teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent culinary education and professional experience.
• 3+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in catering, banquets, hotels, convention centers, cultural venues, or high-volume hospitality.
• Strong experience with on-site catering, banquet production, and large-scale event execution.
• Experience managing multiple events and production priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong background in scratch cooking, batch cooking, high-volume production, and elevated presentation.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop culinary teams.
• Knowledge of food cost management, purchasing, inventory control, and waste reduction.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• ServSafe Certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Flexibility to support an event-driven operation, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Associates at Bon Appetit are 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

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.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1579546