Culinary Associate - School Environment

Quest Food Management Services, Inc.; Winnetka (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Food Management Services, Inc. is seeking a Cook / Culinary Associate in Winnetka, IL to join our school nutrition team.

The role involves hot and cold food preparation, following recipes, and ensuring meals are prepared safely and on time. You will assist with salads, grab-and-go items, and catering, while maintaining a clean, organized service line and delivering friendly customer service.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of cooking or food prep experience
• Must meet state/local Food Handler certification requirements
• Ability to follow standardized recipes and production instructions
• Basic math for measurements and portions
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Reliable Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–2:30 PM attendance

Responsibilities

• Prepare food according to production sheets and recipes
• Cook hot and cold menu items maintaining quality and presentation
• Assemble, portion, garnish, and present items for service
• Assist with salads, grab-and-go items, bulk prep, and catering as assigned
• Complete preparation for upcoming meal periods and next day production
• Assist with catering and special events as needed
• Maintain stock levels and communicate shortages to supervisor
• Minimize waste through proper prep and storage procedures
• Set up and maintain prep and service areas
• Receive and store deliveries
• Label, date, store and rotate food products
• Safely transport food and supplies within the kitchen
• Use and care for kitchen equipment and report issues
• Keep workstations organized and ready for service
• Follow food safety, sanitation, HACCP guidelines and proper temperature controls
• Provide friendly, professional service to students, staff, and guests
• Work with kitchen team and communicate with supervisors
• Represent Quest's values and service standards
• Attend shifts on time in proper uniform

Skills

Cooking/food prep experience

Food safety knowledge

Math skills

Teamwork

Attendance reliability

Education

Culinary education or training

Food Handler certification

Job description

Cook / Culinary Associate

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 6:30 AM–2:30 PM

Position Summary

The Cook plays an important role in the day-to-day operation of the kitchen by preparing and serving fresh, high-quality meals according to Quest standards.

This position is responsible for both hot and cold food preparation and may assist with salads, grab-and-go items, bulk preparation, catering, receiving deliveries, and general kitchen cleaning. The Cook also serves customers and helps maintain an organized, welcoming, and professional food service line.

The Cook follows standardized recipes and production schedules to ensure food is prepared safely, consistently, and on time for service. All food preparation, handling, storage, and service must follow HACCP requirements and applicable food safety and sanitation guidelines.

Job Requirements

The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the role.

Required

• At least 1 year of cooking, food preparation, or related food service experience
• Ability to meet and maintain applicable state and local Food Handler certification requirements
• Ability to follow standardized recipes, production instructions, and food safety procedures
• Basic math skills and ability to understand measurements, portions, and recipe conversions
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Dependable attendance and ability to consistently work the scheduled Monday–Friday, 6:30 AM–2:30 PM shift

Preferred

• Previous food service experience in a school, university, cafeteria, restaurant, or similar high-volume food service environment
• Culinary education or training

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Production

• Prepare food according to production sheets, standardized recipes, established schedules, and menu requirements.
• Prepare both hot and cold menu items while maintaining Quest standards for quality, portioning, and presentation.
• Accurately assemble, portion, garnish, and present menu items for service.
• Assist with salads, sandwiches, grab-and-go items, bulk preparation, and other menu offerings as assigned.
• Complete preparation for upcoming meal periods or the following day's production as needed.
• Assist with catering preparation and special events as assigned.
• Maintain appropriate food quantities throughout service and communicate product needs or shortages to the supervisor.
• Minimize food waste by following proper preparation, portioning, and storage procedures.

Kitchen Operations

• Set up and maintain assigned food preparation and service areas.
• Receive, inspect, and properly store kitchen deliveries.
• Follow proper procedures for labeling, dating, storing, and rotating food products.
• Safely transport food and supplies to and from kitchen and service areas.
• Properly use and care for kitchen equipment and immediately report equipment or maintenance concerns to a supervisor.
• Keep workstations stocked, organized, and ready for service.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Compliance

• Follow Quest standards and all applicable food safety and sanitation requirements.
• Follow HACCP procedures and established food handling practices.
• Take and record food temperatures as required.
• Maintain clean and sanitary food preparation, storage, and service areas.
• Complete assigned daily and weekly cleaning and sanitation duties.
• Follow proper procedures for preventing cross-contamination and maintaining safe food temperatures.

Teamwork & Customer Service

• Provide friendly, professional service to students, staff, and guests.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the kitchen and food service team.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers to support efficient daily operations.
• Demonstrate Quest's values and service standards through daily interactions and work.
• Report to scheduled shifts on time and in proper uniform in accordance with Quest policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the food service operation.

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