What's 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, sauting, 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.

*Flexibility for occasional travel between campuses is expected.

Primary Responsibilities:

• (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, sauting, 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 PPE's.

• (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

Bring Your Best! What this role needs:

• Associate degree or equivalent work experience with a minimum of three years of quantity 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.

Northwestern Mutual pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement in the salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. At Northwestern Mutual, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Please note that the salary range listed in the posting is the standard pay structure. Positions in certain locations (such as California) may provide an increase on the standard pay structure based on the location. Please click here for additional information relating to location-based pay structures.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.