Chef Manager in Alton, Illinois at Quest Food Mangement TL

Monday–Friday | 10-Month Schedule | Summers Off | $2,000 Sign-On Bonus

If you love cooking from scratch, leading a small team, and having evenings, weekends, and summers to yourself, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Quest Food Management Services is seeking a Chef Manager to lead the dining program at a small and close-knit school community serving approximately 300 students. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to create fresh, high-quality meals while building relationships with students, faculty, and staff.

Unlike traditional restaurant kitchens, you'll enjoy a predictable Monday-Friday schedule, holidays off, and a 10-month work year, giving you two months off each summer.

• Monday-Friday schedule — no late nights or weekend shifts

• 10-month position with summers off (unpaid)

• $2,000 Sign-On Bonus

• Small school environment with approximately 300 students

• Opportunity to create fresh, scratch-made menus

• Excellent work/life balance

• Supportive leadership and collaborative culture

For more than 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has been recognized as one of the nation's premier food service management companies. We proudly serve K-12 schools, colleges and universities, corporate dining programs, and event venues with a commitment to fresh, scratch-made food, exceptional hospitality, and outstanding customer service.

Our success is built around our Quest Ready culture—Integrity, Responsiveness, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—and we're looking for team members who are passionate about creating memorable dining experiences every day.

As Chef Manager, you'll oversee the day-to-day culinary operations for the school dining program while creating a welcoming dining experience for students and staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing fresh, high-quality meals with an emphasis on scratch cooking

• Leading, coaching, and developing the kitchen team

• Planning menus that are nutritious, appealing, and budget-conscious

• Managing food ordering, inventory, and cost controls

• Maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and sanitation

• Creating an efficient, organized kitchen operation

• Building positive relationships with school administrators, faculty, students, and parents

• Ensuring an outstanding customer experience every day

• Experience as a Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Chef Manager

• Passion for preparing fresh, high-quality food

• Strong leadership and team-building skills

• Experience managing food costs, inventory, and purchasing

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards

• Excellent organization and time management skills

• ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain)

• Culinary degree is a plus, but equivalent experience is welcomed

If you're looking to leave the restaurant grind behind without giving up your passion for cooking, this is an outstanding opportunity to build a rewarding culinary career with predictable hours and exceptional work/life balance.

Come create meals that make a difference while enjoying the schedule you've been looking for.

#QUESTFOOD