Cook - Kitchen Lead

ILLINI BLUFFS CUSD 327 SCHOOL DISTRICT; Glasford (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

ILLINI BLUFFS CUSD 327 SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a Kitchen Lead to oversee daily school nutrition operations at the Elementary School location. You will supervise food preparation, maintain kitchen organization, and coordinate staff to ensure high‑quality meal service for students.

This role requires strong leadership and excellent organizational skills, the ability to train new employees, collaborate with the Director of School Nutrition, and pursue a State of Illinois Sanitation Certificate.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Pursue and obtain Illinois Sanitation Certificate.
• Familiar with food preparation and kitchen appliances.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Maintain professional conduct with staff and students.
• Stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Lead all food preparation and production following procedures and USDA guidelines.
• Organize and assign daily kitchen tasks to staff.
• Train new employees in all roles.
• Collaborate with Director of School Nutrition on ordering and monthly menus.
• Maintain inventory accuracy and coordinate with the Kitchen Lead team.
• Ensure proper food storage and daily coordination with the team.
• Pursue and obtain a Food Production Manager Certificate.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of School Nutrition.

Skills

Food preparation

Leadership

Organization

Staff training

Communication

Safety compliance

Team coordination

Guest interaction

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

State of Illinois Sanitation Certificate (in progress/obtaining)

Job description

Position Title: Kitchen Lead

Department: Food Service

Position Names: ES Kitchen Lead

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 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.

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.