Cook - Kitchen Lead

Illini Bluffs Community Unit School District 327; Glasford (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Illini Bluffs Community Unit School District 327 is seeking a Kitchen Lead to oversee daily food preparation, kitchen organization, and staff scheduling at Illini Bluffs Elementary School. You will lead production, train staff, and ensure compliance with USDA guidelines and district policies.

The role requires strong leadership, organization, and a passion for working with children. You will report to the Director of School Nutrition and pursue Illinois Sanitation certification as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Will pursue and obtain a State of Illinois Sanitation Certificate.
• Must be familiar with food preparation including appliances, recipes, etc.
• Ability to understand and follow basic oral and written instructions.
• Enforce school regulations and policies in a professional manner.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with fellow employees and pupils.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to push/pull up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to communicate to students, parents and staff in an acceptable/courteous manner.

Responsibilities

• Lead all food preparation and production activities in accordance with procedures established by the Director of School Nutrition and USDA guidelines.
• Organize and assign the kitchen staff's daily tasks.
• Train new employees in all aspects of their roles.
• Work collaboratively with others and interact positively with students.
• Collaborate with the Director of School Nutrition when ordering food and supplies.
• Collaborate with the Director of School Nutrition to develop the monthly menu.
• Assist in maintaining accurate inventory levels.
• Coordinate daily with the other Kitchen Lead to ensure food is properly stored and used.
• Will pursue and obtain a Food Production Manager Certificate.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of School Nutrition.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Staff training

Food safety

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Illinois State Sanitation Certificate (pursuit)

Job description

• Location:
  Illini Bluffs Elementary School
• Date Available:
  9/3/26 or until filled

Department: Food Service

Location: Elementary School

Reports to: Director of School Nutrition

Compensation: $2.00 additional per hour

SUMMARY

The Kitchen Lead plays a key role in the daily operation of the school nutrition program by overseeing food preparation, kitchen organization, and staff coordination to ensure high-quality meal service for students. The Kitchen Lead demonstrates strong leadership, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for working with children.

DUTIES

• Lead all food preparation and production activities in accordance with procedures established by the Director of School Nutrition and USDA guidelines.
• Organize and assign the kitchen staff's daily tasks.
• Train new employees in all aspects of their roles.
• Work collaboratively with others and interact positively with students.
• Collaborate with the Director of School Nutrition when ordering food and supplies.
• Collaborate with the Director of School Nutrition to develop the monthly menu.
• Assist in maintaining accurate inventory levels.
• Coordinate daily with the other Kitchen Lead to ensure food is properly stored and used.
• Will pursue and obtain a Food Production Manager Certificate.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of School Nutrition.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Will pursue and obtaina State of Illinois Sanitation Certificate.
• Must be familiar with food preparation including appliances, recipes, etc.
• Ability to understand and follow basic oral and written instructions.
• Enforce school regulations and policies in a professional manner.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with fellow employees and pupils.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to push/pull up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to communicate to students, parents and staff in an acceptable/courteous manner.

SCHEDULING

Hours, terms and conditions of employment shall be established at the time of employment or reemployment. The schedule is subject to change with district demands in compliance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.