Batch-Production Kitchen Prep Specialist

Plat Du Jour Inc; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Plat du Jour (PDJ) is seeking a reliable Kitchen Prep Associate to support daily culinary production operations in a fast-paced food-manufacturing environment. This role focuses on batch prep and ingredient handling to keep the production floor running on schedule and to standard.

The ideal candidate follows standardized recipes precisely, upholds food safety practices, and takes pride in consistent execution across tasks. Supervisory support comes from the Production Manager / Sous Chef.

Qualifications

• Experience in a food production or commercial kitchen environment is preferred.
• Basic knife skills and comfort with high-volume prep.
• Food safety knowledge; certification preferred or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to portion accuracy and recipe compliance.
• Reliable, punctual, and capable of sustained physical work on a full production shift.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, process-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Execute assigned food preparation tasks including washing, peeling, cutting, portioning, weighing, and organizing ingredients per recipes and schedules.
• Prepare proteins, vegetables, grains, sauces, and other meal components per specifications and targets.
• Follow all recipes, batch specifications, and production instructions accurately.
• Support batch cooking with measuring, mixing, assembling, and monitoring components.
• Maintain proper temperature control and storage practices throughout preparation.
• Label, date, and store prepped ingredients according to FIFO and food safety guidelines.
• Assist Production Manager / Sous Chef to meet daily output goals.
• Follow GMP and HACCP protocols and report any safety concerns immediately.
• Assist receiving, organizing, and proper storage of ingredients and supplies.
• Support equipment setup, changeovers, and cleaning between production runs.

Skills

Food production experience

Knife skills

Food safety knowledge

Attention to detail

Team player

Punctual

Physical stamina

Education

Food Handler certification (within 30 days)

Job description

Plat du Jour (PDJ) is seeking a reliable Kitchen Prep Associate to support daily culinary production operations in a fast-paced food-manufacturing environment. This role focuses on batch prep and ingredient handling to keep the production floor running on schedule and to standard.

The ideal candidate follows standardized recipes precisely, upholds food safety practices, and takes pride in consistent execution across tasks. Supervisory support comes from the Production Manager / Sous Chef.