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