Lead Food Service Worker - Downers Grove School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group • Downers Grove, IL

37d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time position where you will lead a fun, energetic kitchen crew in a supportive school environment, preparing and serving fresh, nutritious meals to students. It's an opportunity to lead with heart, feed young minds, and grow your career in food service with a schedule that fits your life.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1+ year of food service experience
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to get certified)
• Great attitude, reliability, and team spirit
• Ability to speak and read English and follow safety procedures
• Comfortable standing, lifting (up to 40 lbs), and working in hot/cold environments
• Minimum 2–3 years of professional food service experience required
• Demonstrated ability to direct the work of others in a kitchen or food service environment
• Ability to read and follow approved menus, recipes, yield guides, and production records
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and the ability to lead a team with a calm, positive, and accountable approach
• Must be able to speak and read English sufficient to perform job assignments and communicate effectively with school staff, parents, and team members
• Always presents a positive and professional image
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Commitment to food safety, team development, and Whitsons’ mission
• Maintains current ServSafe certification and serves as the on-site food safety authority during the shift
• Enforces sanitation standards, temperature controls, and compliance documentation with consistency and accountability
• Demonstrates precision in portioning, temperature monitoring, production records, and station setup
• Communicates clearly with the Chef Manager, food service team members, and school staff
• Escalates issues appropriately and keeps the Manager informed of all significant operational or personnel matters
• Takes pride in food quality, presentation, and the overall meal experience
• Maintains a welcoming and clean service environment at all times
• Follows all policies, schedules, and procedures and holds the team to the same standard

Nice To Haves

• Food safety manager training strongly preferred
• Prior lead, senior, or PIC experience in a school nutrition or institutional food service setting strongly preferred
• Experience with USDA NSLP/SBP program requirements, production records, and temperature log maintenance preferred
• Experience with POS systems and cash handling preferred
• Ability to complete compliance documentation accurately
• A valid driver’s license is preferred

Responsibilities

• Take the lead in preparing and serving meals that meet nutrition and portion guidelines
• Handle daily ordering, receiving, and storage of food, beverages, and supplies
• Organize cleaning duties and ensure food safety to keep the kitchen running smoothly
• Set up hot and cold serving lines, brew coffee, and keep beverage areas stocked
• Deliver meals when needed for classrooms, staff, or catered events
• Manage POS/cash handling and ensure deposits are accurate
• Coordinate and direct the food service team during the shift, assigning tasks, monitoring performance, and addressing operational issues
• Complete all food preparation, service, compliance documentation, and sanitation responsibilities accurately and on time
• Serve students and school staff in a friendly and professional manner
• Model Whitsons’ standards of conduct, appearance, and attitude for the food service team

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off
• Ongoing training and development
• A positive team environment where your work matters

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED