1

Cook Manager Jobs in Aurora, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

North Aurora, IL · On-site

$17/hr

Manage multiple tickets at a time with strong attention to timing and accuracy * Prepare and cook menu items including breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrées * Operate grills, fryers, and kitchen ...

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Manage food storage, stock, and ingredient orders. Cook Job Requirements: * Must have prior experience as a cook. * Must be skilled in operating kitchen equipment. * Must be skilled in various ...

Cook

Joliet, IL · On-site

$1.8K/hr

Vista Senior Living Management is the dedicated senior living division of our organization, focused ... Cook! We are seeking two Cooks for Memory Care: 1 Part‑time Cook (6:00 AM - 2:00 PM) 1 PRN (3:00 ...

Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

In the absence of the Dietary Manager, the Cook is accountable for overseeing and supporting the staff. Cook Qualifications: **High School or Culinary Tech Graduate. **Ability to read, understand and ...

Cook

Elgin, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Collaborate with the Dietary Manager to plan and implement menus * Maintain accurate records of food preparation and inventory * Participate in menu planning and specials preparation * Cook duties ...

Cook

Oswego, IL

$20 - $22/hr

In the absence of the Dietary Manager, the Cook is accountable for overseeing and supporting the staff. Cook Duties: **The Cook works under the direction of the Dietary Manager. Responsible for the ...

Cook

Oswego, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

In the absence of the Dietary Manager, the Cook is accountable for overseeing and supporting the staff. Cook Duties: **The Cook works under the direction of the Dietary Manager. Responsible for the ...

Cook

La Grange, IL · On-site

$14/hr

... Manager on Duty of all safety, sanitation, or employee issues Assist other employees as needed ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Cook

La Grange, IL · On-site

$14/hr

... Manager on Duty of all safety, sanitation, or employee issues Assist other employees as needed ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

Cook

Crest Hill, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Maintain accurate inventory records and report any discrepancies to management Cook Requirements: * 1 year of experience as a Cook or in a related field * Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic ...

Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$17.25/hr

In the absence of the Dietary Manager, the Cook is accountable for overseeing and supporting the staff. Cook Qualifications: **High School or Culinary Tech Graduate. **Ability to read, understand and ...

Line Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Line Cook Our Line Cooks are a key part of our team, and critical to providing genuine hospitality ... Who is Bottleneck Management? Bottleneck Management operates vibrant, high-energy, approachable ...

Cook

Algonquin, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Takes inventory of products and checks build-to with the Manager at the beginning and end of each shift. Cleanliness: * Ensures that that Hot Cook area and all smallwares are clean and checks dishes ...

Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Takes inventory of products and checks build-to with the Manager at the beginning and end of each shift. Cleanliness: * Ensures that that Hot Cook area and all smallwares are clean and checks dishes ...

Cook

Joliet, IL · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Takes inventory of products and checks build-to with the Manager at the beginning and end of each shift. Cleanliness: * Ensures that that Hot Cook area and all smallwares are clean and checks dishes ...

Cook

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Takes inventory of products and checks build-to with the Manager at the beginning and end of each shift. Cleanliness: * Ensures that that Hot Cook area and all smallwares are clean and checks dishes ...

Cook

Hinsdale, IL · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

In the absence of the Dietary Manager, the Cook is accountable for overseeing and supporting the staff. Duties: **The Cook works under the direction of the Dietary Manager. Responsible for the ...

Cook

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

... Manager on Duty of all safety, sanitation, or employee issues Assist other employees as needed ... Cook and restaurant experience is a plus! Food Handler Certification required Benefits: * Employee ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cook Manager information

See Aurora, IL salary details

$12

$27

$37

How much do cook manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook manager in Aurora, IL is $27.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $33.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cook manager?

Cook Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. They supervise cooking staff, plan menus, manage inventory, ensure food safety standards are met, and may also participate in food preparation. Their role blends culinary skills with management duties, requiring strong leadership and organizational abilities. Cook Managers play a key role in maintaining food quality and efficient kitchen workflow.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a cook manager?

To thrive as a Cook Manager, you need strong culinary skills, experience in food preparation, and a background in kitchen management, often supported by a food safety certification. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and commercial kitchen equipment is typically required. Leadership, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for supervising staff and maintaining kitchen efficiency. These abilities are important to ensure high-quality food service, regulatory compliance, and smooth kitchen operations.

What challenges does a cook manager face when balancing kitchen operations and staff management?

As a Cook Manager, one of the main challenges is efficiently coordinating food preparation while also supervising and training kitchen staff. This role requires balancing hands-on cooking duties with administrative tasks like scheduling, inventory management, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cook Managers must also handle unexpected issues such as staff shortages or equipment malfunctions, all while maintaining a positive kitchen environment. Effective communication and multitasking are essential to successfully manage both the culinary and managerial aspects of the job.

What is the difference between Cook Manager vs Cook?

AspectCook ManagerCook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary experienceFood safety certification, culinary experience
Work EnvironmentSupervises kitchen staff, manages kitchen operationsPrepares food, follows recipes, works under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, schools, catering services, restaurantsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services

The Cook Manager oversees kitchen operations and supervises cooks, focusing on management and coordination. The Cook primarily prepares food according to recipes and standards. While both roles require culinary skills and food safety knowledge, the Cook Manager has additional responsibilities in staff supervision and operational management.

Do you need a degree to be a cook manager?

A cook manager typically does not need a formal degree but should have relevant experience in food preparation and management skills. Certifications such as food safety training can be beneficial, and some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Aurora, IL?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Aurora, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Manager jobs in Aurora, IL?

For Cook Manager jobs in Aurora, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cook Manager jobs in Aurora, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Manager jobs in Aurora, IL are:

What cities near Aurora, IL are hiring for Cook Manager jobs?

Cities near Aurora, IL with the most Cook Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook Manager job openings in Aurora, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,436 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Cook

HIA Restaurant Partners LLC

North Aurora, IL • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

About the Job:
Denny’s is hiring Short Order Cooks for multiple restaurant locations. As a short order cook, line cook, grill cook, or breakfast cook, you’ll be the one making sure plates hit the table hot, fresh, and on time. This isn’t a station gig. You’ll be cooking whole meals and coordinating multiple tickets at once to keep the kitchen flowing. If you’re looking for a role where your skills matter and timing is everything, this is it.

What You’ll Do:

  • Cook entire meals simultaneously, coordinating multiple items for each order
  • Manage multiple tickets at a time with strong attention to timing and accuracy
  • Prepare and cook menu items including breakfast, lunch, and dinner entrées
  • Operate grills, fryers, and kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
  • Follow food safety, sanitation, and portion control standards
  • Collaborate with servers and kitchen staff to deliver excellent guest experiences
  • Keep your station clean, organized, and ready for the next rush

What We’re Looking For:

  • Previous experience as a short order cook, line cook, grill cook, or restaurant cook strongly preferred
  • Ability to multitask and manage full meal prep across multiple tickets
  • Knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, and cooking techniques
  • Team player with solid communication skills
  • Must be 18 or older and be able to work weekends and holidays

What We Offer:

  • Competitive hourly pay
  • Flexible scheduling (full-time and part-time available)
  • Career growth opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry
  • Employee meal discounts
  • Supportive team environment

Denny's, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law.

Denny’s, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.