Chef Manager in Grayslake, Illinois at Quest Food Mangement TL

Location: Grayslake, Illinois
Company: Quest Food Management Services

At Quest Food Management Services, we believe food should be fresh, flavorful, and made with care. We create scratch-made dining experiences using high-quality ingredients while building strong relationships with the students, staff, and communities we serve.

Our team members enjoy a supportive, people-first environment where great food, teamwork, and work-life balance matter.

Quest Food Management Services is seeking a Chef Manager to lead the culinary and day-to-day food service operations at Grayslake High School. This is a Monday - Friday role - no weekends!

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who enjoys being in the kitchen, developing and executing great menus, leading a team, and creating an outstanding dining experience for students and staff.

The Chef Manager is responsible for culinary execution, team leadership, food safety and sanitation, ordering and inventory, cost management, and overall kitchen operations. This position works closely with Quest leadership and our school partner to ensure the account operates efficiently while consistently delivering the quality and service Quest is known for.

• Lead daily culinary and food service operations for the school account.

• Prepare and oversee fresh, scratch-made meals while maintaining Quest's standards for quality, presentation, and consistency.

• Lead, train, schedule, coach, and support kitchen and food service team members.

• Create a positive, organized, and collaborative kitchen environment.

• Execute menus and recipes while ensuring proper portioning, production levels, and presentation.

• Manage ordering, receiving, inventory, and food storage.

• Monitor food and labor costs and make operational adjustments to support account financial goals.

• Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance.

• Ensure appropriate procedures are followed for food allergies and special dietary needs.

• Coordinate production and service for special events, catering, and other school activities as needed.

• Build strong relationships with school administrators, staff, students, and the Quest leadership team.

• Respond to feedback and identify opportunities to continuously improve the dining experience.

• Ensure equipment, kitchen facilities, and work areas are properly maintained and operational.

• Step into food preparation and service when needed — this is a hands-on leadership role.

• Culinary leadership experience in a high-volume food service environment.

• Previous experience as a Chef Manager, Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Executive Chef, or similar culinary leadership role preferred.

• Experience in K-12, higher education, corporate dining, healthcare, hospitality, or contract food service is a plus.

• Strong knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, food safety, and sanitation.

• Experience managing food and labor costs, ordering, and inventory.

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop a team.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

• ServSafe certification or ability to obtain certification as required.

At Quest, our Chef Managers aren't managing from an office — they're part of the kitchen and part of the community they serve. You'll have the opportunity to lead a team, create great food, build relationships, and make an impact on the dining experience students have every day.

Quest offers competitive compensation and benefits, professional development opportunities, access to leadership, and a culture that values both culinary excellence and quality of life.

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