Cook II

Quest Food Management Services, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Food Management Services, Inc. in Chicago is seeking a Cook II to prepare and present menu items to Quest standards.

You will follow preparation sheets, assist in day-to-day kitchen operations, and work across multiple concept stations while maintaining food safety and quality. The role requires an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts (or equivalent experience) and at least 2 years as a line cook, plus a Food Handler certification.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a line cook.
• State and local Food Handler certification requirements.
• Ability to perform simple arithmetic and understand measurements and conversions.
• Ability to follow recipes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present menu items per the provided preparation list and Menu standards.
• Accurately assemble and present all menu items.
• Follow local, state, and federal food safety guidelines (HACCP).
• Assist with sanitation of the line and kitchen; work as a team with kitchen staff.
• Maintain communication with supervisors regarding shortages and maintenance needs.
• Ensure items are prepared to standardized recipes and event needs where applicable.
• Receive and properly store kitchen deliveries and conduct daily/weekly cleaning tasks.

Skills

Food safety

Arithmetic

Recipe following

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts

Job description

Our Promise

Balance - Quest fosters a fun, supportive environment that puts people first and strives for both culinary excellence and enduring relationships. Our flexible work opportunities encourage a healthy life balance for all of our valued team members.

Meaning - Quest believes that every aspect of what we do has significance, and therefore, our food is fresh and made from scratch, using high quality and responsibly sourced ingredients. We nourish our communities with wholesome meals and through our genuine and personal connections.

Recognition - Quest provides competitive compensation and benefits, and celebrates the fulfillment of our collective values at all levels of the organization. We support professional growth through training, development and access to highly visible leadership.

Position Summary

Prepares and presents menu items during service of the cafeteria to Quest standards. Follows preparation list for items needed for execution of menus and assist in the day to day operations of the kitchen. Duties may include bulk preparation, catering prep, product receiving and cleaning. Assists customers and maintain line in a consistent and professional manner. Cook II will assist in cold prep, salad and grab & go production with recipes. Expected to serve food on the hot line and following recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen. Follow all HACCP and food safety guidelines. Receives and puts away all kitchen deliveries. Ability to work in at least three concept stations.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Cascades the vision of Quest Food Management Services ensuring the Quest vision, values and founding principles are effectively communicated, understood and practiced.
• Demonstrates commitment to Quest vision, values and missions through actions on a daily basis.
• Prepare food as assigned and per directions, production sheets, standardized recipes, and time schedule.
• Accurately assemble and present all menu items.
• Follow Quest, local, State and Federal guidelines for the proper handling of food products.
• Assist in the overall sanitation of the line and product kitchen. Work with other members of the kitchen as a team.
• Maintain open and effective communication with others.
• Prepare all items to standardized recipes according to each specific event’s needs as outlined on the menu.
• Properly expand and/or divide recipes as needed to achieve proper yields.
• Familiarize themselves with catering menus and master recipe indexes.
• Communicate to supervisor product shortages, ordering needs and maintenance issues to maintain the level of day to day business.
• Assist in the overall sanitation of the production kitchen and production facility.
• Ability to work at special events when required.
• Perform daily and weekly cleaning schedule.
• Ensure that all food production, storage, and service areas are maintained in accordance with all local, state, and federal rules and regulations.
• Assist with ordering all food and other supplies, monthly inventory, and maintaining par levels.
• Responsible for sanitation in the kitchen, including checking to see that all equipment is working properly.
• Complete all prep for the next day’s production per production sheets and recipes as assigned and as needed.
• Transport food and all other supplies to and from the kitchen in a sanitary manner.
• Take temperatures and record them for all food.
• Serve food on the hot line and prepare side orders ensuring excellent presentation and garnishing all of plates.
• Demonstrate ability to work on at least three concept stations and follow recipes to produce all hot food in the kitchen.
• Follow HACCP guidelines to ensure safe food practices.
• Responsible for receiving and putting away all kitchen deliveries.
• Follow all Quest policies and food safety guidelines.
• Report to scheduled shift on time and in complete uniform as outlined in the Quest team member handbook.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements/Specifications

Education and Experience:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required

• Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a line cook
• Responsible for meeting and maintaining state and local certification requirements (certified as a Food Handler)
• Ability to perform simple arithmetic as well as to understand measurements and conversions
• Ability to follow recipes