Big Delicious Planet, a woman-owned farm-to-table catering company, has an opening for a strong, creative Sous Chef to assist with the success of our catering. Assist our Executive Chef with the kitchen’s daily culinary, operational and administrative tasks. BDP, located in Chicago's West Town industrial area, has an urban farm on 3 adjacent city lots, and has been named the "Greenest Caterer in America." since 2013. Join our team, and enjoy watching our food grow outside the window from your station! This is a special company that caterers beautiful weddings, events and corporate meals around Chicago.
Job entails, but not limited to the following:
Directly reporting to Executive Chef and owner
Cooking a wide variety of food in a high volume catering kitchen
Working offsite and onsite private events
Preparing and plating tastings for wedding couples
Assisting Executive Chef with the BDP summer Urban Farm Dinner series
Assisting with our cafe
Assisting Executive Chef with recipe creation, costing
Assisting Executive Chef with ordering and receiving, stocking of food, beverages, disposables and more
Assisting Executive Chef with overseeing the kitchen staff, quality control, expediting, waste management, cost control, and general organization of kitchen
Should be able to jump into any kitchen position at any time, have knowledge of menu in full, all prep items
Fills in for Executive Chef in their absence
Ensures proper sanitation and safety standards
Assists Executive Chef with scheduling maintenance of all equipment
Assists Executive Chef with all hourly staff development, including hiring, training, reviews, and disciplinary actions
Assists with and ensure our sustainable program is being followed - we compost all food scraps, recycle cooking oil, etc.
Assists in setting up procedures for staff
Maintaining open line of communication with management
Upholding BDP's mission as a thoughtful, creative, sustainable business
Qualifications
Driver's license - must be able to drive our small vans to event or run errands
Must have a flexible schedule to work weekends or evenings when needed
Experience working as a line cook or catering chef for at least 3 years
Experience assembling, garnishing, plating appetizers & plated meals
Ability to work overtime when needed
Ability to work independently
Creative, confident and strong cooking ability
Conscientious, fast worker
Great organizational skills
Thoughtful, collaborative, cool under pressure
Awareness of food allergy safety
Awareness of HAACP standards
Strong knowledge of sustainable practices
Knowledge of international cuisines
Knowledge of locally sourced and international products
Knowledge of dehydrating, canning
ServeSafe Sanitation Training
Computer skills and experience
Kitchen Spanish a plus
Physical ability to lift heavy, bulky items of up to 40#, to stand for long periods of time, etc.
A typical day as a sous chef would be: Starting with kitchen crew in the mornings, receiving deliveries and making sure product is in for the day. Jumping in daily production where needed and then assisting with orders at the end of the day. When there are events and depending who is working them, the Sous would come in later to work an event at BDP, offsite or at a venue or a residence.
Benefits & Perks
50/50 medical insurance at 90 days
401k plan
PTO after 6 months, major holidays off, including the day after Thanksgiving and a week+ around Christmas.
Corporate donation matching of up to $150
Free meals
Bonuses
Apply on our website http://www.bigdeliciousplanet.com/employment
Experienced, qualified candidates only, please. We will reach out to schedule interviews with qualified candidates then schedule a stage.
