Job Position: Culinary
Production & Prep Lead
Wage: $19-$20.75 per hour
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM; additional hours as needed
Location: Downtown Chicago, IL
Job Summary
As a Culinary
Production & Prep Lead, you will support daily kitchen operations by coordinating food preparation activities and ensuring all items are prepared according to established standards. This role works closely with kitchen leadership to maintain consistency, quality, and efficiency across all
production areas.
You will assist in guiding prep workflows, completing assigned
production lists, and maintaining a clean, organized, and high-functioning workstation throughout each shift.
Responsibilities
Support daily food preparation across multiple
production areas, following established recipes and prep listsAssist with coordinating task flow and ensuring timely completion of kitchen prep activitiesMaintain proper food storage, labeling, and portioning in alignment with food safety standardsMonitor kitchen equipment and work areas to ensure cleanliness and operational readinessInspect ingredients and prepared items to ensure quality and consistencyAssist with inventory tracking and communicate supply needs as appropriateFollow all opening and closing procedures, maintaining an organized and efficient workstationCollaborate with team members and leadership to support overall kitchen operations
Required Qualifications
At least 1 year of experience in a high-volume kitchen or food
production environmentStrong knife skills and understanding of basic cooking techniques, kitchen equipment, and food safety practicesAbility to follow recipes, measurements, and portion standards accuratelyStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environmentAbility to read, write, and understand English to follow prep lists and recipesValid Food Handler or Food Service Manager Certification required
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting or guiding kitchen workflows or team membersStrong communication skills and ability to work collaborativelyAdaptability and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment
Why We're the Leaders
Excellent trainingEmployee Referral bonusesFlexible schedulingCareer advancement opportunitiesCompetitive PayAnniversary Milestone Incentives
Company Benefits & Perks
Paid Time OffMedical, Dental and Vision Insurance - Includes Spouse and Domestic Partner Coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Health Savings Account (HSA)Paid Life InsuranceAccidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) & Critical Illness InsuranceShort Term DisabilityEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Mental Health, Relationship Conflicts, Child and Eldercare, Substance Abuse, Grief and LossAssistance for you and household membersIn Person SessionsUnlimited phone accessParental Leave - Equal benefits to Mothers and Fathers401K Retirement PlanFFT University - Over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job to help your career growth.Employee Meal PlanEmployee Discounts (Pet Insurance, Entertainment, Travel, Company Discounts, and much more).
Company Values & Culture
• Collaboration & Open Communication
• Diverse, Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating
• Our Triple Bottom Line - People, Product and Planet
• A Net Positive Organization
Grow with us! - at Food For Thought, instruction, advice, and assistance are always readily available, which is why our average tenure is 5 years. The U.S. average is 4.3 years, while the Hospitality industry average is only 2 years!
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach at or below the shoulder; lift and carry items up to 50 pounds for a moderate distance.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand and move during the length of shift; be able to bend and kneel through the shift. The employee is required to use their hands to handle tools, grasp, and control objects. Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble items. The employee is continuously exposed to extreme temperatures. Working with knives, mincers, and other dangerous tools or equipment.
EEO Statement
Food For Thought provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
E-Verify Participation
Food For Thought participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.
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