Chef Assistant - Universal Kids Resort

Universal Studios; Frisco (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Kids Resort is seeking a seasoned culinary supervisor to lead line cooks and senior cooks across designated locations. You will ensure adherence to recipes, portions, and presentation while performing cook duties as needed and training new team members.

You will manage inventory, budgeting-related tasks, and scheduling to optimize labor and waste, while upholding safety and HACCP compliance in a dynamic resort environment.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work a flexible and varying schedule based on business demands.
• Professional Food Managers certification is required.
• 3+ years of food and beverage experience; Senior/Line Cook experience preferred.
• Ability to lead and train kitchen staff and manage workflow.
• Adherence to HACCP and food safety practices is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the line cooks and senior cooks across designated locations.
• Ensure meals align with recipes, portion specs, and presentation standards.
• Perform cook duties when needed and train new team members.
• Oversee inventory, variances, reconciliation, and par-level based ordering.
• Support scheduling, labor optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety across the venue.

Skills

Leadership

Staff training

Cross training

Guest recovery

Education

Chef’s Apprentice preferred

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for leading, training, and managing the workflow of the Line Cooks and Senior Cooks at designated food service locations across Universal Kids Resort. Assists Culinary management with ensuring an efficient operation by having an understanding of inventory processes, scheduling, labor and non-labor budgets, and seasonal menu offerings. Manages inventory while accounting for variances and reconciliation. Acts as front-line response to major and minor guest recovery situations and assists with table touches and cleanliness tasks.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures that all preparations are in accordance with established recipes, menu and portion specifications based on business volumes. Responsible for food presentation, quality of products and waste prevention.
• Performs Cook duties when necessary, including being cross trained at all stations, training new Team Members, performing opening/closing procedures, and ensuring PPE is properly used throughout the venue. Develops and trains the team by administering Lead observations, providing feedback, and supporting management with growth opportunities for Cooks.
• Leads the daily operation of the team by helping to manage workflow of Senior Cooks and Line Cooks. Completes table touches for guest recovery situations.
• Studies all evidence of waste and makes suggestions for improved efficiency. Tracks and manages venue inventory which includes variances, reconciliation, spoilage, shrink, and swell. Responsible for ordering supplies in accordance with par levels and staffing projects.
• Ensures established safety practices are followed and compliance of the State of Texas’ HACCP program.
• Assists with assigning stations and scheduling issues as necessary. Supports Food & Beverage operation to ensure operational efficiencies and labor optimization.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Individual Contributor.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities (KSAs) required.

• Must be able to work a flexible and varying schedule based on business demands.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Professional Food Managers certification is required.

EDUCATION:

• Chef’s Apprentice is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 3+ years of food and beverage experience is required, experience as a Senior or Line Cook is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Kids Resort via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Kids Resort HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Kids Resort. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Kids Resort as a result of the referral or through other means.

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