Prep Cook

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. 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 or catering kitchen, OR culinary training/cooking certification

• Basic cooking techniques and knife skills

• Understanding of food hygiene standards and HACCP

• 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.