Catering Cook

UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Catering seeks a Catering Cook to lead kitchen operations for high-volume events at the Luskin Conference Center and other UCLA venues. You will supervise staff, prepare a range of menu items, and set up cooking and buffet stations according to Banquet Event Orders.

You will ensure food safety, timely production, and excellent client service, while coordinating with event teams and maintaining precise inventory and portion controls in a dynamic catering environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years food preparation and kitchen maintenance (Required)
• 1+ year catering kitchen experience (Preferred)
• Ability to read, understand and speak English to perform duties (Required)
• Knowledge of sanitation and safety rules in food production and service (Required)
• Inventory control principles and portion sizing knowledge (Required)
• Ability to work under fluctuating workloads and schedules (Required)
• Strong culinary techniques and terminology (Required)

Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen production and service for multiple menu items (High-volume).
• Design and set up cooking and buffet stations per Banquet Event Orders and client requests.
• Ensure food safety, quality, and timely production aligned with event timelines.
• Coordinate with team and clients to deliver exceptional service.
• Monitor daily orders, plan work schedules, and maintain equipment and stations.

Skills

Culinary techniques

Time management

Teamwork

Reading recipes

English proficiency

Inventory control

Sanitation knowledge

Safety compliance

Adaptability

Independent work

Job description

Department Summary

UCLA Catering provides catering services at the Luskin Conference Center, Housing & Hospitality meeting and event spaces, and locations around the greater UCLA campus. The department produces over 15,000 events a year. Available services range in size and scope from the UCLA Coffee Service to large-scale, VIP gala events.

Position Summary

The Catering Cook is responsible for providing team leadership and support in the production and service of multiple food products from a specified menu to clients. The incumbent assigns, leads, and monitors the work of others to ensure quality products and service is delivered to the client. The Catering Cook designs and sets up cooking and buffet stations at catered events according to Banquet Event Orders and client requests. The incumbent adheres to all food handling and sanitation guidelines. The Catering Cook follows established timelines for food production as required by the start time of catered events and the overall production schedule. They interact with team members and clients in a high-volume catering environment.

Salary & Compensation

• UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years Food preparation and general maintenance of a kitchen (Required) Or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience (Required)
• 1+ year Experience in a catering kitchen (Preferred)
• Ability to read, understand, and speak English sufficient to determine and carry out job duties (Required)
• Ability to engage with diverse populations in a respectful and culturally responsive manner (Required)
• Ability to work cooperatively as a part of a team (Required)
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic calculations necessary to understand recipes, measurements, and portion sizes (Required)
• Knowledge of the rules and procedures of sanitation and safety as they apply to production, storage, and service within a food establishment (Required)
• Knowledge of inventory control principles and methods (Required)
• Ability to comply with safety standards and procedures for both personal and public safety (Required)
• Ability to produce and present food in high-volume catering environments and work effectively under conditions of a fluctuating workload and schedule (Required)
• Excellent organizational and time management skills skills to review daily orders and plan daily work schedules (Required)
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance (Required)
• Ability to operate independently and exercise good judgment to ensure customer satisfaction (Required)
• Strong culinary techniques and practices and understanding of culinary terminology (Required)

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
• Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.
• Pre-Placement Physical: Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory physical examination.
• Available to work varying schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs (Required)

Schedule

Variable

Union/Policy Covered

SX-Service

Complete Position Description

https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Cook%20(MI-DPT319400-JC005523-PD168545)