About the Club:
The Highwood Bocce Club was founded in 1969 and is a vibrant, member-driven organization that hosts regular dinners, social events, and the National’s championship of bocce in a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Highwood, Illinois.
The Highwood Bocce Club is seeking an experienced culinary professional to oversee and manage our kitchen operations. This is a part-time position ideal for someone who enjoys a community-focused environment and takes pride in delivering quality meals in a social setting.
The Chef is responsible for overseeing all culinary operations at the private bocce club, delivering high-quality food that complements a relaxed yet refined social atmosphere. This role blends creativity with efficiency, supporting both casual dining and private events for members.
Position Details:
- Part-time (approximately 1,000 hours per year)
- Variable schedule based on the event calendar (primarily evenings and weekends)
- 60+ events per year, including member dinners and special functions
- Event & Member Services
- Create customized menus for private events, leagues, and tournaments
- Coordinate food service timing with bocce activities
- Engage with members to maintain a personalized dining experience
- Flexible work hours
- Fast-paced during leagues, tournaments, and private events
- Social, community-driven atmosphere
Kitchen Management Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage all kitchen operations for club events
- Manage inventory, ordering, and food cost control
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Supervise and coordinate a team of 3–4 cooks and dishwashers
- Coordinate 2–3 waitstaff during larger dinners and events
- Plan and develop menus for regular dinners and special occasions
- Purchase food and manage inventory for all events
- Ensure efficient kitchen workflow and maintain a high quality standard
- Wine and food pairing knowledge
- Oversee daily kitchen operations
- Including prep, service, and cleanup
Qualifications:
- Culinary experience of 4-5 years or AOS degree in culinary arts or hospitality and management degree is highly recommended
- Proven experience as a Chef, preferably in a club, or hospitality setting
- Prior kitchen leadership or management experience preferred
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- Ability to adapt to a variable schedule
- Dependable and able to manage multiple events throughout the year
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and during events
- Food safety certification and Food handlers
- Knowledge of Italian, Mediterranean cuisine, American, French Bistro (All highly preferred due to bocce culture)
Key Traits for Success
- Creative but practical
- Strong communicator with members and staff
- Flexible and service-oriented
- Passion for hospitality, culinary and community
- Leader