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Lead Prep Cook

Lead Prep Cook

Ox Bar & HearthChicago, IL, US
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Position : Lead Prep Cook

Position Type : Full-time / Part-time

Location : Chicago, IL

Reports to : Chef de Cuisine, Sous Chef

About Us :

Ox Bar & HearthTM is a neighborhood restaurant in Lincoln Park, rooted in seasonality, hospitality, and craftsmanship. We’re building a team of passionate, talented individuals who take pride in delivering exceptional guest experiences in a warm, welcoming environment.

Position Overview :

We’re seeking a hospitality-forward Lead Prep Cook to join our team. This position is essential to both guest service and team support. The Lead Prep Cook ensures ingredients are prepared to quality standards for service, collaborates with the Chef team to complete daily prep lists, and maintains team culture and training.

Key Responsibilities :

  • Demonstrate professionalism, commitment to the team, and high quality work.
  • Lead, motivate, and coach the kitchen team with warmth and professionalism.
  • Communicate effectively with the front of house and leadership to ensure smooth service flow.
  • Open the restaurant, review the daily prep tasks, and assign tasks to prep team members.
  • Perform duties as assigned by leadership to support our commitment to hospitality, quality food, and beverage.
  • Act as a point person between the prep team and Chef team.
  • Communicate with Sous Chef or CDC on service issues, prep shortages, or team performance.
  • Lead by example on clean-as-you-go habits, proper food handling, labeling, multi-tasking and station cleanliness throughout the shift.
  • Train and mentor new prep cooks in station setup, knife skills, and prep procedures.
  • Follow standardized recipes, ensuring consistency in taste, presentation, labeling, and storage.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate record of batches of prepped ingredients, sauces, marinades, stocks, and other foundational components in advance.
  • Ensure prep lists are completed on time and correctly.
  • Maintain orderly and labeled storage areas (walk-in, dry storage, lowboys).
  • Ensure prep areas, tools, and equipment are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
  • Safely operate and maintain all kitchen equipment.
  • Comply with sanitation regulations and safety standards.
  • Complete opening / closing duties to our standards.
  • Be flexible and adaptable to the evolving needs of the restaurant and its guests.

Qualifications :

  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a prep cook, with experience leading a team in a high-volume, high-intensity kitchen;
  • Wood-fired cooking experience is a plus, but not required.
  • Excellent knife skills and a strong grasp of culinary techniques.
  • Proven ability to multitask while maintaining a clean and organized work area.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively within a team.
  • Strong passion for food, beverage, and hospitality.
  • Professional, friendly demeanor with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Composure under pressure and a strong sense of urgency balanced with attention to detail.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in a physically demanding environment.
  • Flexible availability, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • ServSafe certified (or ability to obtain certification upon hire).

    • Job Type : Full-time

    Compensation : $23-24

    Benefits & Perks : Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Dining Discounts and staff meals, Paid Sick Leave, PTO

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    Prep Cook • Chicago, IL, US