Culinary Supervisors - Shedd Aquarium

Job Listing: Culinary Supervisors - Shedd Aquarium

Job Overview:

As a Culinary Supervisor at Shedd Aquarium, you will lead a dedicated team in our quick-service restaurant spaces, ensuring that each meal served meets our high standards of quality, taste, and presentation. You'll supervise the culinary staff in daily operations, oversee food preparation, ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation practices, and work collaboratively to create a welcoming dining experience for guests. This position requires a strong leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional food quality and service in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Culinary Supervisor will oversee daily kitchen activities, provide direction to line cooks and prep staff, and ensure the kitchen operates efficiently while adhering to Sodexo Live! and Shedd Aquarium's high standards for food safety, quality, and presentation. They will contribute to the team's success by actively supporting service excellence, upholding safety and cleanliness protocols, and fostering a positive, team-oriented work culture.

Essential Responsibilities

• Supervision & Leadership: Lead, train, and support culinary team members in food preparation, cooking, and plating. Foster a team culture focused on quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction.
• Quality Control: Monitor food quality and presentation, ensuring all meals meet established standards and recipes. Oversee portions, ingredients, and garnishes to maintain consistency.
• Safety & Sanitation: Enforce proper food handling, sanitation, and safety standards throughout kitchen operations. Ensure all team members follow health regulations and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Inventory & Ordering: Assist with inventory management, monitor stock levels, and coordinate with purchasing to ensure timely orders for ingredients and supplies.
• Operational Efficiency: Coordinate food preparation and cooking schedules to ensure timely service during peak hours. Troubleshoot and resolve issues as they arise to keep service running smoothly.
• Guest Experience: Collaborate with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service and a memorable guest experience. Address guest inquiries and special requests with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Communication & Teamwork: Ability to lead a team effectively, supporting colleagues and maintaining a positive work environment.
• Problem Solving & Memorable Experiences: Act as a passionate problem solver and memory maker, going the extra mile to create a warm, welcoming experience for every guest, whether local or visiting.

Key Attributes & Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in a supervisory culinary role, preferably in a high-volume or quick-service environment.
• Culinary Knowledge: Strong culinary skills, with an emphasis on quality control, food safety, and sanitation. A culinary degree or equivalent training is a plus.
• Leadership Abilities: Proven experience in leading and motivating a culinary team, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting, ensuring all team members work efficiently and effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Strong focus on food quality, portion control, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Professional & Friendly Demeanor: You project a positive and approachable attitude that enhances each guest interaction, creating meaningful connections with visitors of all backgrounds.
• Can-Do Spirit: Eager to provide exceptional service, you go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience for each guest, demonstrating adaptability and attention to detail.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Exhibits clear, patient, and engaging communication, with a natural ease in connecting with people and delivering superior guest service.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively in a high-activity environment with wet floors, varying temperatures, and noise.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used by guests.

Why Join Us:

At Shedd Aquarium, you will be part of a team-oriented, innovative environment that values partnership, conservation, and exceptional guest experiences. As a Culinary Supervisor with Sodexo Live!, you'll contribute to Shedd Aquarium's mission to make a difference every day-for animals, conservation, and our guests. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about culinary arts, teamwork, and guest service, and who share our commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world.

Join us in providing a unique and memorable dining experience at one of Chicago's most beloved cultural institutions!

Hours may be extended or irregular to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Thank you for expressing interest in employment with Sodexo Live!. While only those candidates considered for this position will be contacted, your resume will remain on file for 90 days.

Sodexo Live! is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.