Prep Cook/Server

Northwestern Mutual - Denver; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 2,075,000 - 3,113,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual is hiring a Prep Cook to join our kitchen team. You will prepare salads, condiments, and assorted menu items for cafeteria and catering, while ensuring food safety and precise portion control. You will assist chefs, manage labeling and HACCP records, and support inventory and ordering processes.

The role requires a high school diploma and at least three years of food production experience, with strong communication and teamwork in a dynamic dining environment.

Qualifications

• Requires 3+ years in food production.
• Knowledge of safe food handling standards.
• Ability to read/translate recipes and adjust portions.
• Able to work as part of a team in a fast-paced kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Prepare salads, condiments, and menu items for cafeteria and catering.
• Follow recipes and ensure efficiency and food safety in prep.
• Assist chefs with preparation and use of kitchen equipment.
• Maintain labeling, date marking, and HACCP logs as required.
• Communicate with customers and servers about menu and services.

Skills

Food production

Safe food handling

Weights & measures

Recipe interpretation

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Job description

About the Role

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe relationships are built on trust. That our lives and our work matter. These beliefs launched our company over 160 years ago. Today, they’re just a few of the reasons why people choose to build careers at Northwestern Mutual.

We’re strong and growing. In a company with such a long and storied history, this may be the most exciting and important time to be a part of Northwestern Mutual. We’re strong, innovative and growing.

We invest in our people. We provide opportunities for employees to grow themselves, their career and in turn, our business.

We care. We make a positive difference in our communities. Nationally, thousands have benefitted from our support of research and programs to fight childhood cancer. Each year, our Foundation, employees and financial representatives donate time, talent and financial support to causes they’re passionate about.

As a Prep Cook, you will work as part of a team preparing a variety of salads, hot vegetables, condiments, and related menu items, assisting with food prep needs for cafeteria and catering services. You will: observe the safest possible food handling practices by thoroughly washing all produce, properly thawing meats, sanitizing work surfaces, thorough hand washing, and adherence to all other hygiene requirements when handling ready-to-eat foods; support the menu management process, including assistance with ordering and inventory processes. You are an effective communicator, comfortable responding to customer questions or concerns in an expedient and appropriate manner. Flexibility is important in this role, as work location, tasks, and/or assignments vary routinely in response to changes in business need, customer demand, staffing changes, etc. At all times, quality, efficiency, and customer service are your highest priorities.

What You’ll Do

• Responsible for preparing a variety of salads, condiments or other related menu items for cafeteria and catering services which will include, but not limited to, salads, condiments, fruit plates, vegetables plates, sliced meats and sandwiches, and preparation of raw ingredients used for cooking.
• Reviews recipes, anticipates proper organization of work to assure efficiency and food safety, makes recommendations to adjust recipes as needed to improve product.
• Translates weights, measures and volume as the need arises in execution of recipes to assure consistency based on volume and other variables.
• Assists chefs in food preparation as needed, which may include some hot food preparation.
• Weighs, measures, cuts, slices and safely uses variety of equipment.
• Assures the safest possible food handling practices by thoroughly washing all produce, properly thawing meats, sanitizing work surfaces, thorough hand washing and adheres to all other requirements when handling ready-to-eat foods. Responsible for maintaining accurate and complete labeling and date marking of products to assure freshness.
• Maintains time and temperature records to minimize exposure of food to unsafe temperatures and minimize the risk of bacteria growth.
• Operates and cleans equipment following safety guidelines including use of PPE’s.
• Supports the menu management process that includes: following recipes, provides feedback for recipe improvements, follows the ordering process as defined, assures accurate portions, monitors adequate records including HACCP logs and usage reports, inventories food storage areas, and assesses leftovers.
• Projects the ordering needs and quantities of all foods on the menu to provide timely preparation and efficient menu management for upcoming meals and events.
• Coordinates product to be distributed for use at various points of service including other kitchen areas, salad bar, serving stations and catered events.
• Routinely delivers on Restaurant Hospitality standards.
• Communicates with customers and servers through routine greeting and providing information verbally regarding the menu, preparation methods and services.
• Responds to any questions or concerns with the approach of immediate resolution of concerns or corrective action on matters that may be impacting the customer experience.
• In compliance with Restaurant Division Professional Conduct Expectations and maintains professional communication with all.
• May adjust work location tasks or assignments routinely throughout the day to adjust to changes in business need, customer demands, staffing changes or any other reasons that the incumbent may observe and take action for or directed by manager or team leader.
• As part of everyday duties, assist with serving lunch.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of three years of food production experience is required.
• Proven knowledge of and regular compliance with safe food handling standards is required.
• A proven knowledge of weights and measures and the ability to read, interpret, and translate recipes are required.
• Requires a high degree of personal initiative and motivation, combined with a willingness to work as part of a team and the ability to maintain a high level of organization while working quickly and productively.
• Must have the ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the job.

#LI-POST

Candidates must successfully complete and pass any required testing.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$15.06

Pay Range - End:

$22.60

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

Structure 115:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients’ interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!

Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.