Lead Food Service Worker - Downers Grove School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group • Downers Grove, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time, non-exempt position where the Lead Food Service Worker will bring their passion to the plate, helping to serve up fresh, nutritious meals to students every day. The role involves leading a fun, energetic kitchen crew in a supportive school environment. It's an opportunity to lead with heart, feed young minds, and grow a career in food service on a schedule that fits the employee's life. The company, Whitsons Culinary Group, believes every meal is a chance to make a difference by serving nutritious food in schools to help students stay energized and ready to learn.

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
• Ability to read and follow approved menus, recipes, yield guides, and production records
• Must be able to speak and read English sufficient to perform job assignments and communicate effectively with school staff, parents, and team members

Nice To Haves

• 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
• 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
• Keep the kitchen running smoothly by organizing cleaning duties and ensuring food safety
• 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 make sure deposits are accurate
• Be a key player on a supportive, mission-driven team that truly cares
• Complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training as required
• Direct the work of others in a kitchen or food service environment
• Maintain compliance documentation accurately
• Coordinate and direct the food service team during the shift
• Assign tasks, monitor performance, and address operational issues
• Complete all food preparation, service, compliance documentation, and sanitation responsibilities accurately and on time
• Meet meal service deadlines and operational standards every shift
• Demonstrate precision in portioning, temperature monitoring, production records, and station setup
• Communicate clearly with the Chef Manager, food service team members, and school staff
• Escalate issues appropriately and keep the Manager informed of all significant operational or personnel matters
• Serve students and school staff in a friendly and professional manner
• Maintain a welcoming and clean service environment at all times
• Model Whitsons’ standards of conduct, appearance, and attitude for the food service team
• Follow all policies, schedules, and procedures and hold the team to the same standard
• Enforce sanitation standards, temperature controls, and compliance documentation with consistency and accountability

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
• Summers Off

What This Job Offers

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