Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL | Full-Time | Premium Fine Dining Concept

OSAKA CHICAGO

Are you a culinary leader ready to run a high-volume kitchen at the top of its game?

We're looking for an experienced CDC to lead all kitchen operations at a premier dining destination in Chicago.

In this role, you'll work closely with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Head Itamae to drive consistent quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance across the kitchen. You'll have real ownership over staffing, training, cost control, and menu development, in a fast-paced, high-energy environment built around traditional Japanese cuisine.

What You'll Do

• Lead & Develop: Oversee daily kitchen operations, coordinating and delegating across Sous Chefs, Itamaes, and kitchen staff to ensure efficient workflow and service readiness
• Train & Build Culture: Train, develop, and evaluate kitchen staff on culinary techniques, recipes, and food safety standards, fostering a high-performance team
• Drive Profitability: Manage kitchen budgets, food cost targets, and inventory controls; supervise purchasing, receiving, and storage to support financial efficiency
• Manage Operations: Implement line checks before and after each service, maintain stock rotation, and ensure the kitchen is fully prepared and audit-ready at all times
• Ensure Compliance: Uphold sanitation, food safety, and hygiene regulations, maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment
• Collaborate & Innovate: Contribute to menu development and propose seasonal or special dishes, ensuring recipe standardization and alignment with brand strategy.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: 3+ years as Head Chef or Sous Chef in Nikkei cuisine restaurants, with proven experience leading teams of chefs in high-volume kitchens
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of fish and seafood (types, characteristics, seasonality) and traditional Japanese and Nikkei cuisine
• Food Safety: In-depth knowledge of food contamination risk control and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Business Acumen: Comfort with input control, recipe standardization, cost management, and inventory oversight
• Leadership: Ability to communicate effectively, develop talent, promote engagement, and lead a team in a fast-paced environment

Education

Professional culinary training or technical studies in Gastronomy or Culinary Arts is preferred but not required — demonstrated expertise counts.

Technical Skills

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and kitchen system platforms
• Advanced English communication skills (written and verbal); Spanish preferred
• Food Safety Certification (or willingness to obtain)

What We Offer:

401k

Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance are provided to all employees.

Paid Leave

Meal Benefit

The chance to work with an internationally recognized brand

Growth and development opportunities

Dynamic, multicultural team environment

Interested? Apply now via the link below:

https://forms.gle/vN4aAQv26eyBoasR7

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