Prep Cook – High-Volume Food Production
Location: Des Plaines, IL
Pay: $19.75/hour, paid weekly
Schedule: Full-time, year-round; 40+ hours/week with overtime opportunities. Shifts 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, and it promotes from within.
About the Role
As a Prep Cook, you'll support the culinary team by prepping ingredients and assisting with meal production under the direction of First Cooks and Chefs. This is a production kitchen producing thousands of meals daily, not a restaurant or fast-food setting. It's a good fit for someone with solid kitchen basics who wants steady, full-time work and a clear path to a higher-level cook role.
What You'll Do
- Prep ingredients and assist in cooking to exact recipes and specifications
- Use proper cutting techniques and handle kitchen tools and equipment safely
- Follow direction from First Cooks, Chefs, and senior staff
- Maintain food safety and sanitation standards, including HACCP compliance
- Adjust quickly when production priorities change
- Follow all workplace rules and wear required PPE
What You Bring
- At least 1 year of prep experience in a high-volume institutional, catering, or production kitchen, OR culinary training/cooking certification
- Fast food and convenience store experience does not meet this requirement.
- Basic cooking techniques and knife skills: you will be asked to demonstrate 5 basic cuts for the Chef during your interview
- Understanding of food hygiene standards and HACCP basics
- Ability to speak, read, and understand English
- Availability for nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime
Physical & Work Environment
- Stand, walk, bend, and move throughout shifts of 8+ hours
- Lift and push 50+ lbs regularly
- Exposure to hot surfaces, noise, and sudden temperature changes
Benefits
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance after 30 days
- 401(k) plan
- Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays after 1 year
- Weekly pay
- Free meal every shift
- Free uniforms, PPE, and safety shoes
- Free parking
- Credit union membership
- Promotion-from-within opportunities
Requirements
Offer is contingent on passing a criminal background check and drug screen.
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