General Manager / Chef Manager

Sodexo is seeking a highly accomplished General Manager/Chef Manager to lead a dynamic, fast-paced Corporate Services account in Chicago, IL. This hands-on role requires a skilled and creative chef who will actively cook while overseeing a 5–6 day per week food service operation, including daily lunch service and high-end, innovative catering. The position demands a strong balance of culinary excellence and operational leadership, with responsibility for budgets, cost control, purchasing, inventory, and scheduling. You will drive an exceptional guest experience through quality execution, creativity, and strong client partnership. The ideal candidate brings proven success in both culinary leadership and business management, along with the ability to develop teams and adapt to evolving demands. Strong communication, financial acumen, and a passion for elevated food are essential for success in this role.

• Provide hands-on front- and back-of-house leadership, actively cooking while ensuring operational excellence, culinary quality, and consistent service standards.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, vendors, and internal teams, aligning menu development and execution with client expectations.

• Train, mentor, and develop a diverse team across culinary and service functions, fostering a high-performance culture.

• Lead high-end, large-volume catering, including menu creation, preparation, execution, and presentation with a focus on creativity and guest satisfaction.

• Champion a customer-centric culture through elevated culinary experiences, innovation, and exceptional service.

• Oversee business operations, including budgeting, cost control, purchasing, inventory, and scheduling, while maintaining strong client partnerships.

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience, with a strong background in hands-on food production and leadership within high-volume, quality-driven environments.

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams across both kitchen and service operations, including hiring, training, and performance management.

• Demonstrated experience in high-end catering, menu development, and creative culinary execution with a focus on quality and presentation.

• Strong financial and operational acumen, including budgeting, cost control, purchasing, inventory, and labor management.

• In-depth knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen best practices, with a commitment to maintaining high standards.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while delivering exceptional service and building strong client relationships.

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years         
Minimum Functional Experience  - 2 years