Production Cook

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