Production Cook

JCSI; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 46,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision & life ins.

401(k) plan

Paid vacations, sick days & holidays

Free parking

Credit Union

Free meal with every shift

Free uniforms, PPE & safety shoes

Job summary

JCSI is seeking a First Cook for high-volume food production in Des Plaines, IL. The role involves preparing and cooking meals to exact specifications in a fast-paced environment, under supervision from chefs and senior staff.

You will maintain HACCP-compliant safety and sanitation standards, work overtime as needed, and contribute to a 40+ hour weekly schedule with full-time stability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of prep or cooking experience in a high-volume institutional, catering, or production kitchen.
• Culinary degree or cooking certification preferred.
• Strong knife skills and solid command of basic cooking techniques and cookware.
• Working knowledge of food hygiene standards and HACCP.
• Ability to speak, read, and understand English.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items to exact specifications using a range of cooking methods and equipment.
• Apply proper cutting techniques with consistent, efficient knife work.
• Follow direction from Chefs and senior culinary staff, and adapt quickly when priorities change.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards, including HACCP compliance.
• Follow all workplace rules, safety procedures, and PPE requirements.
• Work overtime as needed to meet production demands.

Skills

Cooking experience

Knife skills

Food safety knowledge

English proficiency

Flexibility

Overtime readiness

Education

Culinary degree or cooking certification

Job description

First Cook – High-Volume Food Production

Location: Des Plaines, IL Pay: $22.00/hour Schedule: Full-time; rotating shifts that may include nights, weekends, and holidays

About the Company Our client is an established, large-scale food production company preparing high-quality meals for major travel-industry customers. The operation runs around the clock with strict quality, safety, and timing standards. It’s a good fit for cooks who are proud of consistency and enjoy a fast pace.

About the Role The First Cook is a key member of the culinary team. You’ll work closely with Chefs and Second Cooks to prepare and produce meals to precise customer specifications, in large volumes and on tight deadlines.

Full-time, permanent work, steady employment throughout the year / at least 40 hours / week plus overtime opportunities.

Short distance - local route to O'Hare airport

Weekly pay

Health, dental, vision and life insurance after 30 days of employment

401(k) plan

Paid vacations, sick days and holiday paid after 1 year of employment

Free parking

Credit Union

Free Meal with Every Shift Worked

Free uniforms, Personal Protective Equipment and Safety shoes.

What You’ll Do

Prepare and cook menu items to exact specifications using a range of cooking methods and equipment

Apply proper cutting techniques with consistent, efficient knife work

Follow direction from Chefs and senior culinary staff, and adapt quickly when priorities change

Maintain food safety and sanitation standards, including HACCP compliance

Follow all workplace rules, safety procedures, and PPE requirements

Work overtime as needed to meet production demands

What You Bring

Minimum 1 year of prep or cooking experience in a high-volume institutional, catering, or production kitchen; 3–5 years preferred

Culinary degree or cooking certification preferred

Strong knife skills and solid command of basic cooking techniques and cookware

Working knowledge of food hygiene standards and HACCP

Ability to speak, read, and understand English

Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime

Physical & Work Environment

Stand, walk, bend, and move throughout shifts of 8+ hours

Lift and push 50+ lbs regularly

Use hands and fingers to handle tools and equipment safely

Exposure to hot surfaces, noise, and sudden temperature changes (e.g., moving between hot kitchens and refrigerated areas)

Requirements Offer is contingent on passing a criminal background check and drug screen.

AQ100