Kitchen Production Lead — Catering & Service

University of Wisconsin-Madison; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Memorial Union Culinary team is seeking an Assistant Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, manage staff, and coordinate production for catering and retail services on a 13-month term. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and exceptional guest service, reporting to the Assistant Manager.

You will lead full-time cooks and student workers, support catering and retail teams, and ensure efficient, compliant food production across the Memorial Union kitchen.

Qualifications

• 1 year of kitchen production experience
• 6 months of experience as a leader overseeing kitchen staff and kitchen production
• ServSafe Certification required or obtainable within 6 months of hire

Responsibilities

• Reviews orders and resolves last-minute issues with production and deliveries
• Oversees production, to include dish room
• Cleans, inspects, and maintains kitchen equipment and work areas
• Assists in doing weekly inventory
• Leads and provides exceptional customer service, answers questions, and provides information regarding food preparation, catering, and associated activities
• Assigns and coordinates the day-to-day activities of food service staff
• Adheres to federal, state, campus, and local food safety regulations, policies, and procedures
• Performs routine and non-routine food preparation activities including cook to order and specialty foods
• Develops and schedules logistics and menus for daily and catering operations

Skills

Kitchen production

Leadership

Customer service

Safety procedures

Team supervision

Education

HS Diploma

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Memorial Union Culinary team is seeking an Assistant Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, manage staff, and coordinate production for catering and retail services on a 13-month term. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and exceptional guest service, reporting to the Assistant Manager.

You will lead full-time cooks and student workers, support catering and retail teams, and ensure efficient, compliant food production across the Memorial Union kitchen.