Junior Sous Chef

Job Title: Junior Sous Chef
 Location: Virtue Restaurant Chicago
Reports To: Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine Virtue Restaurant
Virtue Restaurant is a leader in Chicago’s dining scene, offering exceptional Southern-inspired cuisine rooted in hospitality, quality, and culture. Established in 2018, Virtue was thoughtfully created as a space where community and culture coexist. We focus on team development, celebrating the African influence on Southern cooking, and delivering warm, approachable service. Position Summary: We are seeking a Junior Sous Chef to join our growing kitchen team. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious culinary professional eager to expand their skills, work alongside a team of talented chefs, and grow within a respected restaurant over the next 2–3 years.
The Junior Sous Chef plays a key support role in daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth service, excellent food quality, and team development. The ideal candidate has standard butchery skills, can work every station, and brings a team-first mindset with leadership potential. Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership and Execution • Assist the Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Senior Sous Chefs with daily operations, ensuring food quality, consistency, and presentation standards. • Work every station (roast, sauté, fry, pantry, pastry plating, prep) with confidence, stepping in to cover absences and support smooth service. • Lead by example on the line, helping organize tickets, prioritize orders, and maintain a steady, efficient pace during service. • Execute precise butchery of meat, poultry, and seafood, including breaking down whole proteins and maximizing yield. • Maintain a clean, organized workstation with all necessary mise en place ready for service. • Assist with recipe development, prep systems, and refinement of kitchen procedures. Team Development and Collaboration • Mentor line cooks and junior team members with coaching that supports growth and skill development. • Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment by modeling professionalism, humility, and confidence. •Communicate clearly with leadership and peers to maintain team cohesion, especially during high-pressure service periods. Operational Excellence and Financial Responsibility (Limited) • Assist with receiving deliveries, checking for quality, proper storage, and inventory rotation. • Support limited aspects of inventory control, working with leadership to minimize waste and maintain proper stock levels. •Ensure adherence to sanitation, hygiene, and safety standards at all times. Continuous Learning • Stay current on culinary trends, techniques, and ingredients through independent study and industry engagement. • Embrace opportunities for growth and development within Virtue, with an eye toward advancing into leadership positions. Qualifications • 2–3 years of experience as a lead line cook or junior sous chef in a high-volume, fine dining environment. • Proficiency across all kitchen stations, including butchery of meats, poultry, and seafood. • Leadership qualities with a demonstrated ability to train and motivate team members. • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. • Ability to stay composed and effective during high-pressure services.  Passion for hospitality, teamwork, and continuous personal development. • Illinois Manager’s Food Sanitation Certification (or willingness to obtain). • Flexibility to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as required by the restaurant. Personal Values and Attributes • Integrity, trustworthiness, and personal accountability. • Commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and growth-driven workplace. • High personal standards for excellence in culinary execution. • Passion for delivering hospitality to both guests and colleagues. What We Offer: • Competitive pay based on experience. • Opportunities for advancement within Virtue over the next 2–3 years. • A supportive team environment focused on personal and professional growth. • Employee discounts and other benefits. Interested in taking the next step in your culinary career? Apply today to join Virtue Restaurant and be part of a team committed to excellence, leadership, and culture.

Created: 2025-09-06