Sous Chef

Éxodo Hospitality Group | Chicago, IL

Salary: $65,000 Annually
Employment Type: Full-Time | Salaried
Position: Executive Chef
Cuisine: Chinese-Peruvian (Chifa)

Éxodo Hospitality Group is seeking an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations at Cha Chin, our exciting new Chinese-Peruvian restaurant concept in Chicago.

Cha Chin brings together traditional Chinese cooking techniques and the bold, vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine, creating a unique dining experience rooted in Chifa culinary traditions.

We are looking for a disciplined culinary leader who values consistency, teamwork, accountability, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will take ownership of daily kitchen operations while maintaining the highest standards of food quality and presentation.

Kitchen Operations & Culinary Execution

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including preparation, production, and service.

• Maintain consistency in food quality, flavor, presentation, and portion sizes.

• Ensure proper execution of established recipes and culinary standards.

• Lead kitchen operations during service while maintaining efficiency and organization.

• Collaborate with the Corporate Culinary Team on menu execution and operational improvements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and develop back-of-house employees.

• Establish clear expectations for kitchen performance and accountability.

• Create a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.

• Maintain effective communication between kitchen and front-of-house teams.

• Lead by example through hands-on participation in daily operations.

Financial & Inventory Management

• Manage food costs, inventory, purchasing, and waste reduction.

• Maintain efficient labor scheduling and productivity.

• Ensure proper ordering, receiving, and storage of products.

• Monitor portion control and food production to maintain profitability.

• Support financial performance through disciplined operational management.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Maintain compliance with all local health department regulations.

• Ensure proper food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature controls.

• Oversee daily kitchen cleanliness and sanitation procedures.

• Maintain organized workstations, equipment, and storage areas.

• Enforce opening, closing, and cleaning checklists.

• Minimum 3 years of culinary leadership experience in a professional restaurant kitchen.

• Previous experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or experienced Sous Chef.

• Experience with Chinese, Peruvian, Asian, or Latin-inspired cuisine preferred.

• Strong understanding of food costs, inventory management, purchasing, and labor controls.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

• Experience opening a new restaurant is a plus.

• Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification, or ability to obtain required certification.

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Annual Salary: $65,000

• Full-time leadership position.

• Opportunity to be part of an exciting new restaurant opening.

• Professional growth opportunities within Éxodo Hospitality Group.

• Collaborative environment with an experienced corporate culinary and operations team.

At Éxodo Hospitality Group, we believe successful restaurants are built on strong leadership, exceptional food quality, teamwork, and attention to detail.

We are looking for an Executive Chef who takes pride in their craft, leads with accountability, and is committed to building a successful kitchen team.

To Apply: Submit your resume and relevant culinary leadership experience.

Éxodo Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.