Big Delicious Planet, a woman-owned catering company, has an opening for a strong Sous Chef to assist with the success of our kitchen operation. Assist our Head 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 city lots, and is the "Greenest Caterer in America." 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 owner and Head Chef
• Cooking in a high volume catering kitchen
• Working offsite and onsite private events by overseeing, plating, expediting
• Perform tastings for wedding couples
• Assist Head Chef with the BDP summer Urban Farm Dinner series
• Assisting with cafe when reopens
• Assist Head Chef with recipe creation, costing, 
• Assist Head Chef with ordering and stocking of food, beverages, disposables and more
• Assist Head Chef with overseeing the kitchen staff, quality control, expediting, 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 Head Chef in the event of Head Chef's absence 
• Ensure proper sanitation and safety standards
• Assist Head Chef with maintenance of all equipment
• Assist Head Chef with all hourly staff development, including hiring, training, reviews, and disciplinary actions
• Assist with and ensure our sustainable program is being followed
• Assist in setting up procedures for staff
• Awareness of food allergy safety
• Awareness of HAACP standards
• Maintaining open line of communication with management

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 for at least 3 years 
• Experience assembling, garnishing, plating appetizers & plated meals
• Ability to work overtime when needed
• Ability to work independently
• Confidence and strong cooking ability
• Conscientious, fast worker
• Great organizational skills
• Cool under pressure
• Strong knowledge of sustainable practices
• Knowledge of international cuisines
• Knowledge of locally sourced and international products
• 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 

• Free meals
• 50/50 insurance at 90 days
• PTO after 6 months, major holidays off, including the day after Thanksgiving and a week around Christmas.
• Corporate donation matching of up to $150

Experienced, qualified candidates only, please. We will reach out to schedule interviews with qualified candidates then schedule a stage. This is a great opportunity to work with on sight harvested produce and local farms while practicing and following sustainable food culture.