Cook

Flying-Food-Group-; Schiller Park (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug coverage

Dental and vision insurance

Retirement program (401k)

Tuition reimbursement

MetLife Legal Program

Job summary

Flying Food Group, LLC is seeking a Cook I in Schiller Park, IL to support high-volume hot food production for airline catering. This entry-level position involves preparing items per recipes, maintaining quality, and adhering to food safety guidelines.

The role reports to the Hot Kitchen Supervisor & Manager, with responsibilities including inventory, sanitation, and teamwork across shifts. Evening/weekend hours and overtime may be required. Must be 18+ with a culinary background preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• Experience in high-volume food production desirable.
• Familiarity with HACCP and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare hot food items per recipes and airline specs.
• Maintain proper stock rotation and inventory.
• Ensure sanitation and safety per HACCP and OSHA.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report malfunctions.
• Assist with scheduling and labor management as directed.
• Train new team members and promote teamwork.

Skills

English communication

Leadership & supervision

Food safety knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Attention to detail

Education

Culinary degree or certification

Job description

Classification: Full-Time/Hourly
Salary Range: $22.35
Reports to: Hot Kitchen Supervisor & Manager
Date: August 28, 2026

Job Description

Cook I is an entry-level position responsible for preparing and cooking hot food items following recipes, food safety guidelines, and airline specifications. This role supports daily hot food production, ensuring consistent quality and timely output in a high-volume environment. Cook I work under the supervision of Chef, Sous Chef, and senior cooks or supervisors, and play a critical role in maintaining cleanliness, efficiency, and food safety throughout the shift.

Essential Functions

• Prepare hot food items according to established recipes, procedures, and airline specifications, ensuring consistency, quality, and timely output.
• Apply proper cooking methods, portion control, and garnishing techniques to ensure an attractive and appetizing presentation of all dishes.
• Requisition food items from storage and maintain proper stock rotation to minimize waste and support efficient inventory management.
• Store food properly and safely, adhering to health department regulations, including labeling, dating, and FIFO guidelines.
• Conduct regular inventory checks and communicate with supervisors to maintain adequate stock levels.
• Follow all sanitation and safety procedures to maintain a clean, organized, and compliant work environment.
• Adhere to all food handling, hygiene, and personal safety guidelines in accordance with HACCP, OSHA, and company policies.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment (e.g., ovens, kettles, steamers, mixers), reporting any malfunctions to maintenance.
• Assist with scheduling, labor management, and monitoring food costs as directed by supervisors.
• Support training and development of new team members to foster a collaborative and productive kitchen environment.
• Promote positive communication and teamwork across departments to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Perform other kitchen-related duties as assigned by supervisors or management to meet production needs.

Skills and Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Culinary degree or certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of cooking experience, with at least 2 years in a lead cook role in a high-volume environment (e.g., airline catering, healthcare, hospitality).
• Prior experience with multiple airline or international customer requirements preferred.
• Experience with Kosher food preparation is a plus.
• Strong working knowledge of food industry standards, including HACCP, GMP, and general sanitation practices.
• Proven ability to lead, supervise, and train team members in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to read, write, and communicate clearly in English
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to high standards of food safety, quality, and presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Comprehensive understanding of food handling procedures and health regulation compliance.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position may have supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment

This position is located in a food manufacturing facility and involves working in areas that may be cold, hot, humid, or noisy. The environment includes exposure to strong food odors, allergens, and moving equipment. Employees must follow strict sanitation and safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Work may take place on wet or slippery surfaces. Schedules may include overtime, weekends, or holidays based on operational needs.

Physical Demands

• Standing/Walking: Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, often on concrete or other hard surfaces.
• Lifting/Carrying: Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 25 lbs. (occasionally more with assistance or equipment).
• Repetitive Motions: Use of hands and arms for repetitive tasks such as packing, sorting, or operating machinery.
• Reaching/Bending: Frequent reaching overhead, bending, stooping, and crouching throughout the shift.
• Manual Dexterity: Use of fine motor skills for tasks requiring precision and coordination, such as operating controls or using small tools.
• Climbing: Occasionally climb ladders or stairs to access equipment or elevated workstations.
• Visual Requirements: Ability to visually inspect products, labels, or equipment for quality and safety standards.
• Auditory Requirements: Ability to hear alarms, machine sounds, and verbal communication in a noisy environment.
• PPE Use: Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, hairnets, earplugs, safety glasses, steel-toe boots) for the duration of the shift.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Standard hours and days of work may vary based on production schedules and operational needs, including flight schedules. Evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required, as well as occasional overtime.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and activities associated with the position. Additional tasks may be assigned as necessary, and duties may change with or without notice.

Benefits

Flying Food Group, LLC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans
• Flexible spending accounts and employee assistance programs
• Retirement program (401k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement and pet insurance
• MetLife- Legal Program