Full-Time Lead Cook

Moody-Bible-Institute; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

403(b) retirement plan

Employer life insurance

Wellness incentives

Free on-campus parking

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Moody Bible Institute is seeking a dedicated Lead Cook to support daily kitchen operations, mentor staff, and uphold food safety and quality standards for students, employees, and guests at our Chicago campus.

The role reports to the Executive Chef and Dining Service Director, functioning as a working leader with operational oversight in their absence. Primary responsibilities include meal prep, training, and ensuring consistent, high-quality service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of two years of high-volume cooking experience in a food-service setting.
• Demonstrated leadership with ability to train and direct kitchen staff.
• ServSafe or equivalent food-safety certification required within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily meal preparation, service, and kitchen cleanup.
• Maintain a clean, safe, sanitary kitchen and dining area.
• Train and guide staff on equipment operation and safety procedures.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance development for staff.
• Enforce policies, standards, and customer service excellence.
• Mentor student employees and oversee evening meal production and events.

Skills

Leadership

High-volume cooking

Food safety

Staff training

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

IL - Chicago Chicago 820 N. Lasalle Blvd Chicago, IL 60610, USA

• On-site
• Education
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: FULLT002370

Description

Location: Chicago, IL, On-Ste

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation Range:$18.00 -20.00 Hourly

The compensation above is the estimated hiring range for this position. Final offers are determined based on a variety of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and other job-related considerations.

Serve with Excellence. Lead with Purpose.

Moody Bible Institute is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Cook to help provide an exceptional dining experience for our students, employees, and guests. This position plays a key leadership role within Dining Services by supporting daily kitchen operations, mentoring staff, ensuring food quality and safety standards, and helping deliver meals that contribute to a welcoming campus community.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy leading others, and take pride in producing high-quality food with excellence and consistency, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

About Us

Moody Bible Institute is a Christ-centered higher education and media ministry dedicated to equipping people with the truth of God's Word. Through trusted biblical teaching, media, and educational resources, Moody reaches audiences around the world with the gospel and seeks to make a lasting Kingdom impact.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Executive Chef and Dining Service Director, the Lead Cook is responsible for coordinating daily food preparation and service activities, training and supporting kitchen staff, maintaining food quality and safety standards, and assisting with the overall operation of the kitchen. This role serves as a working leader and provides operational oversight in the absence of kitchen management.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and coordinate daily meal preparation, service, and kitchen cleanup activities.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and dining environment in compliance with food-service regulations and standards.
• Train and guide staff in the proper operation, cleaning, and safe use of kitchen equipment.
• Support employee development by assisting with training, performance feedback, and coaching efforts.
• Reinforce departmental policies, performance standards, and workplace expectations.
• Promote a positive team culture focused on excellence, accountability, and customer service.
• Participate in ongoing staff training related to food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
• Monitor food quality, consistency, presentation, and portion control.
• Provide kitchen leadership in the absence of the Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Sous Chef.
• Supervise meal service and ensure guests receive professional and attentive service. Review recipes and preparation processes to maintain quality and consistency.
• Mentor and support student employees through training and hands‑on leadership.
• Oversee evening food production and preparation for the following day's meal service.
• Serve as the primary contact for evening meal periods and special events.
• Complete required food-safety, sanitation, temperature logs, incident reports, and operational documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two years of high-volume food preparation and cooking experience in a restaurant, hotel, educational institution, club, or similar food-service environment.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to train, coach, and direct kitchen staff.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation methods, food safety practices, sanitation standards, and kitchen operations.
• Experience safely operating commercial kitchen equipment.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow recipes, production schedules, food-safety procedures, and quality standards.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with staff, students, and guests.
• Ability to regularly stand, bend, lift, reach, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift up to 60 pounds.
• ServSafe Certification or equivalent food‑safety certification required within six months of hire.
• This position works primarily in a fast‑paced commercial kitchen and food‑service environment.
• Responsibilities include operating commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, steamers, slicers, knives, scales, and other food preparation equipment while maintaining safe food handling and workplace practices.

Additional Information

• Candidates must demonstrate alignment with Moody Bible Institute's mission, doctrinal beliefs, and Christian values.
• Employees are required to affirm Moody's Statement of Faith and adhere to Community Standards.
• Moody Bible Institute values diversity and seeks team members who engage others in ways that honor its biblical foundation.
• Moody complies with applicable nondiscrimination laws and, as a religious institution, requires employees to hold beliefs consistent with its Doctrinal Statement and Community Standards.

Benefits & Culture

In addition to meaningful work, you'll be part of a supportive, Christ-centered community that is committed to your professional, personal, and spiritual growth.

• Medical and dental coverage available on your first day of employment
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Employer retirement contribution program
• Company-paid and optional life insurance benefits
• Wellness incentives and complimentary membership to the Solheim Athletic Center
• Optional benefits include:
• Vision coverage
• Health Care Spending Account (FSA)
• Free on-campus parking

A Culture That Invests in You

• Tuition benefits and educational opportunities through Moody Bible Institute
• Weekly team devotions that foster spiritual growth and meaningful connections with colleagues
• Weekly chapel services featuring worship, biblical teaching, and community engagement

Why Join Us

At Moody, your work goes beyond preparing meals. You will help create an environment where students are equipped to grow academically, spiritually, and professionally. Every meal served contributes to a community focused on Christ-centered education and ministry.

Join us and use your culinary skills, leadership, and passion for service to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and the Moody community.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.