Jr. Sous Chef
We are seeking a passionate, detail‑oriented Jr. Sous Chef to join our award‑winning culinary team at The Mather in Evanston. In this hands‑on role, you’ll support daily kitchen operations by preparing high‑quality dishes, maintaining exceptional food safety standards, and assisting with menu execution across multiple production stations. Ideal candidates bring strong culinary fundamentals, the ability to work independently, and a commitment to delivering a refined dining experience for residents and guests. This position is perfect for a motivated culinarian who takes pride in craftsmanship, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is eager to contribute to the elevated standards of our luxury senior living community.
The Schedule for this position is: Sunday 6:00am-2:00pm, Monday through Saturday 12:00pm-8:00pm.
Flexible schedule is required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Prepares production sheets and oversees the consistent preparation and timely delivery of quality food to residents, guests, family members and staff.
- Ensures adherence to safe food handling, proper personal hygiene, and sanitation procedures, according to Health Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) guidelines.
- Provides oversight and training of kitchen staff including food preparation and presentation, departmental orientation, safe operations of kitchen equipment and cleanliness standards; supervises staff in absence of Executive Chef/Chef de Cuisine/Sous Chef.
- Assists with creation of menus and recipes; orders and secures needed food items and supplies within approved departmental budget and quality guidelines.
- Monitors food production to minimize waste and over production.
- Ensures kitchen, storerooms and coolers/freezers are organized and zoned.
- Ensures timely and accurate documentation including required production and temperature logs.
- Assists with weekly scheduling of kitchen staff and monitors daily, weekly, and periodic cleaning assignments, ensuring proper use and cleaning of equipment and supplies.
- Collaborates with Building Services to establish and monitor preventative maintenance programs.
- Assists with menu development as requested.
- Assists with receiving deliveries, puts away deliveries when necessary, and assists with the organization of dry storage, walk-ins and freezer using proper rotational practices.
- Assists Kitchen Attendant as needed / assigned with dish and ware washing, receiving, transportation of food and equipment, and cleaning duties.
- May be assigned to assist Pastry Chef with basic or fundamental tasks.
- Identifies areas for improvement, proposes possible solutions, and participates in data collection and process changes as part of the Quality Assurance Process Improvement process.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Required:
- 5+ years of experience preparing a variety of quality foods in varying quantities.
- Ability to make independent decisions as needed.
- Able to establish and maintain professional, positive relationships between and among production and service staff.
- Able to read and interpret work related documents and follow standardized recipes.
- Current sanitation certification.
- Reliable, predictable, and punctual attendance, to provide timely service to internal and external customers and to support uninterrupted business operations.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate and delegate tasks to staff.
Preferred:
- Formal culinary training.
- Supervisory experience.
- Basic knowledge and understanding of therapeutic diets, recipe ingredients, adherence to heart healthy guidelines and other dietary restrictions.
- Shifts vary, flexibility in scheduling is preferred.
- English language proficiency.
- Computer skills.
The hourly base wage range is a good faith estimate of the range Mather reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting. The actual hourly base wage paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to specific skills or certifications, years of experience, geographic location and market changes. The position is also eligible to participate in Mather benefit plans and Employee Appreciation Fund.
Hourly Pay Range
$25—$32 USD
Benefits
Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*
Team members are eligible for:
- A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.
- A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
- Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
- Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc.
Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
- Extended illness benefits
- Employee wellness programs
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance - free to all team members
*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.
About The Mather:
The Mather is a Life Plan Community for those age 62 and better located in Evanston, Illinois, close to the charming downtown district and an abundance of public transportation. The Mather includes 240 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation services, along with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, art studio, gardens, and more.
The Mather is located at 425 Davis Street in Evanston.
About Mather
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age WellSM, we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work®, and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.
Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.