Professional Sous Chef

Summary

Follia is a premier Italian fine dining concept located in Lake Forest. As our Sous Chef, you will be a vital leader in our kitchen, serving as the right hand to the Head Chef and ensuring the flawless execution of our menu. You will lead by example, managing the line during service, mentoring the culinary team, and upholding our rigorous standards for quality, authenticity, and food safety. The ideal candidate has a deep passion for Italian cuisine, thrives in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment, and possesses the leadership skills necessary to drive a cohesive, high-performing kitchen.

Responsibilities:

• Kitchen Leadership: Assist the Head Chef in overseeing daily culinary operations, stepping in to run the kitchen seamlessly in their absence.
• Team Development: Train, mentor, and manage line cooks and prep staff, fostering a collaborative and professional kitchen culture.
• Quality Control & Expediting: Manage the flow of service on the line, ensuring every dish meets strict standards for taste, presentation, and timing before it leaves the kitchen.
• Culinary Execution: Prepare and cook complex menu items, demonstrating mastery of traditional Italian cooking techniques (including fresh pasta preparation, braises, and fine sauces).
• Operational Management: Assist with inventory management, ordering, and minimizing food waste to maintain targeted food costs.
• Safety & Sanitation: Enforce health and safety regulations, ensuring all kitchen, prep, and storage areas are meticulously clean, sanitized, and organized at all times.
• Menu Collaboration: Collaborate with the Head Chef on recipe testing, daily specials, and seasonal menu development.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3-5 years of culinary experience in a fine dining environment, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory or Sous Chef role.
• Strong foundational knowledge of Italian cuisine, ingredients, and fine dining techniques.
• Valid ServSafe Manager certification.
• Culinary Arts degree or certification is highly preferred.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and organized in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Capable of standing for prolonged periods and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must have flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

License/Certification:

• Food Handler Certification (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Lake Forest, IL 60045 (Required)

Work Location: In person