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Northwestern Medicine

Academic medical center research, teaching, care

Lead/ Prep Cook

Culinary & Kitchen ProductionConfirmed live in the last 24 hours
Full-timeGeneva, IL, USA$19.57 - $27.40 /hr

About the Job

Requirements

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required; alternatively, candidates without a high school diploma or GED must have at least one year of relevant experience in cooking, production, or food service.
  • Successful completion of Safe Food Handler certification within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

  • Support the Food and Nutrition Team by preparing hot food and meal items safely and sanitarily.
  • Measure, mix, and prepare ingredients according to approved recipes.
  • Demonstrate understanding and proper use of kitchen equipment, including blenders, mixers, grinders, slicers, ovens, and steamers.
  • Demonstrate consistent knife skills, including chopping, slicing, dicing, and paring.
  • Prepare and present café, patient, and catering menu items according to recipes and standards.
  • Prepare and present sauces, soups, stews, casseroles, and desserts that meet established dietary guidelines.
  • Cook meats, fish, and fowl safely using methods such as baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming; carve meats into individual servings according to the recipe or diet order.
  • Monitor and record steam-table and hot-held-item temperatures throughout the service period.
  • Test foods for doneness and adjust heat controls as needed; ensure foods are prepared, held, or served at proper temperatures.
  • Produce flavorful and attractively presented food.
  • Change ingredients or seasonings only when directed by a chef or culinary leader.
  • Maintain product levels and the appearance of service stations.
  • Consult with a manager about handling leftovers.
  • Observe infection-control and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points practices at all times.
  • Complete daily temperature logs and production sheets; assist the supervisor with corrections as needed.
  • Maintain the kitchen or station in a safe and organized manner.
  • Manage the work schedule efficiently and complete tasks at assigned times.
  • Monitor cooking equipment as needed and communicate with a manager to initiate repairs.
  • Perform other duties assigned by managers or supervisors due to operational needs.

Desired Qualifications

  • Previous healthcare cooking experience.
  • Completion of some culinary schooling.
  • Basic knowledge of special diets.

About the Company

Northwestern Medicine

Academic medical center research, teaching, care

Northwestern Medicine brings together Northwestern Memorial HealthCare and the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine to advance health care through research, teaching, and patient care. It runs an academic medical system with more than 33,000 staff, faculty, students, and researchers across 200 locations, including five hospitals that are ranked among America’s Best by U.S. News & World Report (2025–2026). The organization offers medical care by clinicians and scientists who also teach and study new treatments, meaning patients may benefit from up-to-date therapies developed through ongoing research. Its approach combines hospital services, medical education, and scientific discovery in one ecosystem, which sets it apart from ordinary clinics. The goal is to improve medicine so that patients receive higher-quality care and safer, better outcomes.

Company size
10,001+
Company stage
Grant
Total funding
$25M
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Founded
2009

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