Prep Cook - Benedict College

Thompson Hospitality; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Benedict College in Columbia, SC invites applications for a reliable Prep Cook to support our culinary team. You will prepare ingredients, assist in daily food production, and help maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen.

The role emphasizes teamwork, adherence to recipes, and quality presentation in a high-volume environment. Prior kitchen experience and basic food safety knowledge are preferred; flexible shifts including weekends and holidays are required.

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume kitchen or prep role.
• Basic food safety and sanitation knowledge.
• Ability to follow recipes accurately.
• Strong teamwork and communication in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Precisely prepare ingredients following recipes.
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen to uphold hygiene.
• Assist in various meal production tasks.
• Support overall kitchen cleanliness and organization.
• Collaborate with team to ensure smooth workflow.

Skills

High-volume kitchen

Food safety knowledge

Follow recipes

Teamwork and communication

Job description

Overview

Do you have a passion for food preparation and a commitment to quality, organization, and teamwork? We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Prep Cook to join our culinary team and play an essential role in delivering an exceptional dining experience.

As a Prep Cook, you will help lay the foundation for kitchen success by preparing ingredients, supporting daily food production, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Your contributions will help ensure that every meal is prepared efficiently and meets our high standards for quality, consistency, and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Precisely prepare ingredients following established recipes and guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment to uphold hygiene standards.
• Assist in various meal production tasks to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Contribute to the overall cleanliness and organization of the kitchen.
• Collaborate with team members to support a smooth workflow in the kitchen.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a high-volume kitchen or food preparation role is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow recipes and instructions accurately.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills for effective collaboration in a dynamic kitchen environment.
• Visual acuity to monitor food presentation, cleanliness, and safety standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly in a noisy kitchen environment.
• Able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and holidays.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to read documents and written instructions to understand sanitation requirements, safety rules, equipment operation and maintenance, policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Stand for extended periods of time and navigate occasional wet or greasy floor conditions.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs (food product cases, bulk ingredients, kitchen equipment).
• Work in a hot, humid, and fast-paced environment.
• Bend, stoop, and reach frequently.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely.
• Must be able to taste and smell food to ensure quality and consistency.

Who We Are:

Benedict College is a private, historically Black liberal arts college located in Columbia. Founded in 1870 by Bathsheba A. Benedict, the institution was established to provide educational opportunities for formerly enslaved African Americans following the Civil War. Today, Benedict College serves more than 1,700 students and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, engineering, cybersecurity, biology, and computer science. As a recognized HBCU, the college is known for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, community engagement, and student success.

Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.