Head Cook

Antioch School District 34; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Job summary

Antioch School District 34 is seeking a Head Cook to oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure high-quality meals. The role requires HACCP compliance, NSLP adherence, and leadership of kitchen staff to maintain safety and efficiency.

You will manage production, ordering, inventory, and record-keeping while collaborating with the Director of Food Service. A Food Safety Managers Certification is encouraged.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Willingness to obtain Food Safety Managers Sanitation Certification.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and instruct kitchen staff in safe use of equipment.
• Maintain safety and cleanliness per HACCP policy.
• Determine daily food quantities and production needs.
• Prepare food according to planned menu and NSLP guidelines.
• Coordinate activities of cooks and helpers.
• Process weekly food and supply orders via online system.
• Check weekly shipments and sign invoices after verification.
• Log and monitor temperatures of freezer, cooler and milk cooler.
• Maintain records for the National School Lunch Program.
• Prepare daily production records and other reports as needed.
• Attend monthly meetings and trainings.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Food safety

Menu planning

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Head Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring the preparation and service of high-quality meals in accordance with established recipes, nutritional standards, and safety regulations..

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises and instructs assistant cook and cook's helper in the safe and proper use of all kitchen equipment.
• Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen following HACCP policy.
• Determines quantity of food prepared daily.
• Prepares food according to a planned menu while following the guidelines of the National School Lunch Program.
• Supervises and coordinates activities of assistant cook and cook's helper.
• Each week prepares and sends food and supply orders through the online ordering system.
• Checks weekly food shipments into the school, signing invoices after each order has been verified for accuracy, while following the HACCP policy for receiving shipments.
• Follows HACCP policy for logging the freezer, cooler, and milk cooler temperatures at the beginning and end of each day.
• Maintains all records required under the National School Lunch Program.
• Prepares daily production records and additional reports as needed.
• Keeps monthly inventory records of all foods and supplies.
• Attends monthly meetings and in-services as requested.
• Must have or be willing to get a Food Safety Managers Sanitation Certification through www.sfhcorp.com
• Provides leadership to co-workers regarding the compliance with department procedures and helps create a positive work atmosphere through Teamwork.
• Maintains a pleasant attitude with all staff and students.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The role requires the ability to perform various physical tasks, including standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, lifting, and bending, as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. The work environment may involve exposure to typical levels of noise and activity associated with a school and on a school bus setting. This overview is not exhaustive of all physical requirements and responsibilities inherent in the role.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

REPORTS TO: Director of Food Service

BENEFITS

• Employer contributions to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the district.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Hourly rate, length of work year and ongoing service shall be determined by the Board of Education.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the individual assigned to the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all of the duties and responsibilities related to the position.

Postings current as of 8/5/2026 7:17:36 AM CST.