Chef

About the Role

Working under the Chef Team Leader and Restaurant Manager, the Chef prepares food from scratch for cafeteria and catering services. Preparing a variety of menu items including soups, roasts, casseroles, sauces, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and bakery items using scratch cooking/baking techniques (roasting, sautéing, grilling, steaming, proofing and baking), you will work to improve the quality/healthfulness of foods by researching and testing menu items that fit a wellness profile, Additionally, you will: put safety first, observing safe food handling techniques,  safe ergonomic and personal safety techniques, and maintaining a clean, organized and safe work area, and operating and cleaning equipment following established safety guidelines. You will work as part of a team, supporting the menu planning/management process. This role calls for an effective communicator, able to interact with customers and servers as to menu, food preparation, etc.

What You'll Do in the Role

(30%) Responsible for preparing from scratch a variety of menu items for cafeteria and catering services which include, but are not limited to, soups, roasts, casseroles, sauces, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and bakery items.  Uses scratch cooking and baking techniques, which include demonstration cooking, roasting, sautéing, grilling, steaming, proofing and baking.  Works to improve the quality and wellness of foods by participating in researching and testing menu items that fit a wellness profile.  Prepares foods using healthy and flavor-enhancing herbs, spices and cooking techniques.  Bakes fresh a variety of products using raw dough, mixes and some scratch baking.  Assures proper proofing and baking methods to offer fresh breads, and other bakery as required.

(25%) Practices safe food handling techniques in all areas of the job as outlined in food safety standards.  Practices safe ergonomic and personal safety techniques in all aspects of work as outlined in restaurant standards, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and observance of proper body mechanics.  Maintains a clean, organized and safe work area, which includes walk-in coolers, food preparation areas, stock areas, etc.  Performs a variety of tasks to assure regular sanitation standards are met including sweeping, washing and polishing. Responsible for maintaining accurate and complete labeling and date marking of products to assure freshness.  Maintains time and temperature records to minimize exposure of food to unsafe temperatures and minimize the risk of bacteria growth.  Operates and cleans equipment following safety guidelines including use of PPEs.

(20%) Supports the menu management process that includes: following recipes, provides feedback for recipe improvements, follows the ordering process as defined, assures correct portions, monitors adequate records including HACCP logs and usage reports, inventories food storage areas, and assesses leftovers.  Projects the ordering needs and quantities of all foods on the menu to provide timely preparation and cost-effective menu management for upcoming meals and events. 

(15%) Routinely delivers on Restaurant Hospitality standards.  Communicates with customers and servers through routine greeting and providing information verbally regarding the menu, preparation methods and services.  Responds to any questions or concerns with the approach of immediate resolution of concerns or corrective action on matters that may be impacting the customer experience. In compliance with Restaurant Division Professional Conduct Expectations and maintains professional communication with all." (10%) In the absence of the Chef Team Leader, covers responsibilities to assure customer-focused decision-making in the continuation of food preparation, ordering, and service to the restaurant division.  May adjust work location, tasks or assignments routinely throughout the day to adjust to changes in business need, customer demands, or any other business reason

What You'll Bring to the Role

• Associate degree or equivalent work experience with a minimum of three years of high-volume restaurant or corporate dining experience required.
• Upscale culinary experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret written instructions to assure adequate outcome of quality, volume and presentation of foods.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and performance in food safety production, receiving and storage practices.
• High degree of personal initiative and motivation combined with a willingness to work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service through positive customer interaction and anticipation of needs to enhance the customer experience.
• Demonstrated strong initiative and a commitment to continued culinary growth.
• Must have the ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the job.

#IN-POST

#LI-POST

Candidates must successfully complete and pass any required testing.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$17.93

Pay Range - End:

$26.89

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

Structure 115:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.