Assistant Chef - Memorial Union Kitchen

This is a terminal 13-month position with the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding. Days and hours will vary depending on business needs (6:00 am – 2:00 pm) and the role is 100% on-site at the Memorial Union Kitchen.

About the role

The Wisconsin Union is seeking an Assistant Chef to play a crucial role in the daily management and smooth operation of our high-volume production kitchen. Reporting to the Assistant Manager, this position will oversee and develop kitchen staff, coordinate daily food production, and ensure consistent delivery of exceptional customer service and high-quality culinary products. You will foster a productive team environment and uphold standards for safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and coordinate daily food production activities in collaboration with the Assistant Manager to maximize efficiency and ensure consistent delivery of high-quality product.
• Support and assist in the implementation of best practices for kitchen organization, safety, efficiency, and established operating procedures.
• Lead and guide the work of full-time cooks and student workers in both the kitchen and dish room.
• Support catering and retail/restaurant teams.
• Review orders and resolve last-minute issues with production and deliveries.
• Oversee production, including the dish room.
• Clean, inspect, and maintain kitchen equipment and work areas.
• Assist in weekly inventory.
• Provide exceptional customer service, answer questions, and offer information regarding food preparation, catering, and associated activities.
• Assign and coordinate day-to-day activities of food service staff.
• Adhere to federal, state, campus, and local food safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Perform routine and non-routine food preparation activities including cook-to-order and specialty foods.
• Develop and schedule logistics and menus for daily and catering operations.

Requirements

• 1 year of kitchen production experience.
• 6 months of experience as a leader overseeing kitchen staff and kitchen production.
• ServSafe Certification (ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).
• High School Diploma.

Benefits

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave).
• Competitively priced health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Tax-advantaged savings accounts.
• Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

For a summary of benefits, visit this link.

Pay

The expected starting salary is $22.50 per hour.