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Cook Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook Pay: $18.50 per hour + Mystery Shopper Bonus + Tips About the Company : We're proud ... To liaise with the management team to ensure all hot food training is planned and carried out ...

Cook

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15/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

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15/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

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15/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

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$12 - $16/hr

Kitchen Leader/Manager on Duty SUMMARY OF POSITION: Stocks, prepares, and cooks ingredients and food according to Wing Etc., standards while maintaining proper food safety and sanitation regulations.

COOK

Lisle, IL

$17 - $18.50/hr

Collaborate with kitchen staff and management to ensure smooth kitchen operations. * Adapt to menu changes and special dietary requests as needed. Qualifications * Previous experience as a cook or in ...

Cook

Elgin, IL

$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 ...

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

Barrington, IL · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Vista Senior Living Management is a dedicated branch tailored specifically for senior communities ... Cook Schedule: * 1 opening for Part‑time * 1 opening for Full‑time with every other weekend ...

Cook

Evergreen Park, IL · On-site

$14 - $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

Naperville, IL

$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

$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 ...

... 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

Rolling Meadows, IL

$14 - $18.75/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 ...

... 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

Rolling Meadows, IL

$14 - $18.75/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 ...

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/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 ...

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 ...

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Cook Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$28

$39

How much do cook manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook manager in Chicago, IL is $28.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $34.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are some common challenges a Cook Manager faces 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 are Cook Managers?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cook Manager, and why are they important?

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as specialized medical professionals like surgeons and anesthesiologists. Certain highly experienced professionals in finance, law, or technology, especially those with ownership stakes or bonuses, can also earn this level of income. These roles typically require advanced education, extensive experience, and often leadership or specialized skills.

What does a cook manager do?

A cook manager oversees kitchen operations, supervises cooking staff, ensures food quality and safety standards are met, and manages inventory and schedules. They often coordinate with other restaurant or food service staff and may require food safety certifications. Their role involves both administrative and hands-on cooking responsibilities.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks typically include executive chef, head chef, or culinary director roles, which often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications. These positions can offer salaries significantly higher than standard cook roles, especially in upscale restaurants, hotels, or private establishments.

How much does a chef manager get paid?

A chef manager, often called a kitchen or culinary manager, typically earns between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of operations and certifications such as ServSafe or culinary degrees.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Cook jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Cook Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Cook Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cook Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cook Manager jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cook Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Cook Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,679 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Prep Cook

Pay: $18.50 per hour + Mystery Shopper Bonus + Tips

About the Company: We’re proud makers of delicious food, organic coffee and big ideas across 750+ shops in 20+ countries.  Whether you’re making our guests’ days with the perfect latte or leading your team to success, roles in Pret shops come with huge opportunities for growth. Together, we’re doing the right thing and growing fast – it’s an exciting team to hop on board! 

About the Role: A Pret Prep Cook works as part of a team in a Pret shop to ensure all hot food is prepared, presented, and served to the required Pret standard. Key focuses for the role are excellent hot food quality and availability, team training, cleanliness and health & safety, equipment maintenance, and maximizing hot food sales. 

Key Responsibilities: Right Pret People: Hot Food Training 

  • To coach and train Team Members and Team Member Stars on hot food preparation and standards 

  • To liaise with the management team to ensure all hot food training is planned and carried out appropriately 

  • To conduct hot food team briefs and attend relevant meetings, courses, and conferences 

  • To ensure all hot food training materials are available and up to date 

  • To follow Pret’s dress code and be immaculately presented in the correct Prep Cook uniform 

Delicious Food & Drink: Hot Food Quality & Availability 

  • To ensure all hot food is prepared and displayed according to Pret’s planograms and standards 

  • To maintain high quality and appropriate availability of hot food throughout the day 

  • To manage new hot food product launches effectively and on time 

  • To ensure hot food is cooked and held at correct temperatures, with accurate and timely recording 

  • To follow hot food production setting standards and production principles using the hot food plan 

Well Loved Shop: Cleanliness & Health & Safety 

  • To adhere to all kitchen health & safety and food safety standards in accordance with the law and Pret policies 

  • To take responsibility for the health and safety of yourself, your team, and customers 

  • To complete all required training and follow Pret’s safety processes at all times 

  • To immediately report any concerns about standards or processes to your Manager 

Well Loved Shop: Equipment Maintenance 

  • To ensure all hot food equipment is prepared and set up at the start of each day 

  • To test, clean, and maintain hot food equipment according to Pret standards 

  • To report any equipment maintenance issues to a Manager 

  • To train Team Members to use hot food equipment effectively and efficiently 

Growing Sales: Maximizing Hot Food Sales 

  • To communicate with AMK/AMF and organize fresh hot food sampling (Joy of Pret) 

  • To be aware of hot food sales performance within your shop 

  • To ensure sufficient stock of hot food ingredients, packaging, and smallwares 

Required Experience: 

  • A team-oriented approach, you respect and support the restaurant’s success 

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written 

  • A desire to create exceptional employee & guest experiences 

  • Reliability and punctuality  

  • Prep Cook / Kitchen Experience: 1 year (Required) 

  • NYC Food Handlers Card (Preferred) 

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 50 pounds; bend, reach overhead, squat, kneel, and go up and down stairs as needed; safely maneuver through tight or compact spaces; operate restaurant equipment and handle tools such as tongs, pots, and pans with dexterity; work in environments ranging from hot to cold, including near open flames and occasional outdoor conditions; maintain close, distance, and peripheral vision; communicate continuously with team members; and work in a constant state of alertness while maintaining safe operations  

  • The ability to perform other physical requirements such as seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations. 

Benefits: 

  • Weekly Mystery Shopper bonus plan (Up to an extra $1.00 per hour) 

  • Tips when Good Service is Provided 

  • Paid Time Off 

  • Free breakfast and lunch when working – including generous discounts when you’re not 

  • Health, Dental and Vision Benefits (Available for Full-Time Employees) 

  • Child Bonding Leave 

  • The Pret Academy, which supports the training and development for our wonderful people 

  • A friendly, fun, and fast paced environment with passionate teams to work with 

  • Transit program, FSA and HSAs available 

  • Pet Insurance

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