Production Cook

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135 year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation access excellence and equity from its inception. As an institution we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.

What You Will Do:

The Production Cook is responsible for preparing cooking and presenting food in accordance with established recipes menus and quality standards. This role supports daily food production for dining services catering and special events ensuring that meals are produced efficiently safely and consistently. The Production Cook works as part of the culinary team to provide an excellent dining experience for students faculty staff and guests.

• Prepare and cook food items according to standardized recipes production sheets and menu specifications.
• Ensure consistent portioning flavor and presentation of all menu items.
• Assist in large-batch cooking for catering banquets and residential dining.
• Maintain compliance with university state and federal food safety standards. Properly store label and rotate ingredients following HACCP guidelines.
• Keep workstations equipment and utensils clean and sanitized at all times.
• Set up operate and break down cooking stations and equipment safely.
• Assist in inventory control by monitoring ingredient levels and communicating needs to supervisors.
• Follow daily production schedules to meet service deadlines.
• Support catering and event execution with food preparation and plating.
• Work collaboratively with chefs cooks and service staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding food quality shortages or production issues.
• Assist with training and mentoring of student employees or new team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associates Degree or equivalent mix of experience and education (high school diploma or GED and at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Certified ServSafe Manager
• 1 year of catering production experience
• Proficiency in large-batch cooking and use of commercial kitchen equipment.
• Knowledge of standard cooking techniques (grilling roasting sautéing steaming etc.). Knife skills and knowledge of proper food preparation methods.
• Understanding of food safety HACCP and sanitation standards.
• Ability to read and follow recipes production sheets and portion guidelines. Basic math skills for measurements conversions and portioning.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Commercial kitchen and food service settings including dining halls and catering venues. Fast-paced environment with exposure to heat cold steam and noise. Evening weekend and holiday shifts may be required based on dining and event schedules. Ability to stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours). Frequent lifting and carrying of items up to 40 pounds. Repetitive motions including stirring chopping and lifting. Ability to bend reach and move in a kitchen environment

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community advancing access and equity and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity equity and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities age ethnicity gender (identity and expression) race religion sexual orientation socio-economic status and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives innovative contributions and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits including but not limited to Health Insurance benefits Retirement benefits Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.

The pay range of the grade for this position is $$18.14 to $24.49 per hour (typical workweek is 40 hours). Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate. Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law including but not limited to: budgetary considerations job-related knowledge/skills experience market considerations tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees) and internal equity.

Please include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form