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Cook Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ogilvie Chicago | Pret A Manger

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$18.50/hr

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 ...

HIA Restaurant Partners LLC

Cook

Hebron, IN

$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 ...

Wings Etc Inc

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.

RREMC Restaurants

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 ...

Denny's

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 ...

Wingstop

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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Arlington Heights, IL

$14 - $15/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 ...

Wingstop

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 ...

Pearl of Fox River Valley

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 ...

Pearl of Naperville

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 ...

Wingstop

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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Bottleneck Management

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 ...

Wingstop

Cook

Portage, IN · 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 ...

Bottleneck Management

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 ...

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All JobsCook JobsCook Manager JobsCook Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cook Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$28

$39

How much do cook manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 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 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:

Cook Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,679 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Traveling Chef Manager - CDM

The Waters of Hobart

Hobart, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Now Hiring - Traveling Cook Manager – All travel expenses covered!

Take your culinary leadership on the road while making a meaningful impact across multiple healthcare communities. As a Traveling Chef Manager, you'll lead kitchen operations, support dedicated teams, ensure quality dining experiences, and enjoy variety in a rewarding, mission-driven career.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Traveling Chef Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing culinary operations across multiple healthcare and assisted living communities. This position provides hands-on culinary leadership, supports local kitchen management teams, ensures consistent food quality and service standards, and promotes a safe, nutritious, and resident-focused dining experience.

As a Traveling Cook Manager you will travel between assigned facilities to provide operational support, cook and assist with menu execution, and ensure compliance with applicable food safety, sanitation, healthcare dining, and company standards.

Essential Job Functions:
Multisite Cook Manager - Travel regularly between assigned assisted living and healthcare communities to assess and support culinary operations.

  • Provide leadership, coaching, and operational guidance to Executive Chefs, Kitchen Managers, cooks, and dining-service teams.

  • Maintain consistent culinary standards, procedures, recipes, presentation, and service expectations across all locations.

  • Support new community openings, leadership transitions, staffing shortages, and operational turnarounds as needed.

  • Food Quality & Resident Experience to ensure meals are consistently appealing, flavorful, nutritious, properly portioned, and served at the appropriate temperature.

  • Support menus designed to meet the nutritional and dietary needs of senior and healthcare residents.

  • Ensure appropriate preparation and service of modified diets, therapeutic diets, texture-modified foods, and allergen-sensitive meals.

  • Promote a hospitality-focused dining experience that respects resident preferences, dignity, and choice.

  • Monitor resident feedback and partner with community leadership to address dining concerns.

  • Conduct hands-on training and cooking alongside kitchen staff. Training staff on cooking techniques, food prep, sanitation, portion control, menu execution and kitchen organization.

  • Reinforce company policies, performance expectations, and professional standards.

  • Monitor inventory, purchasing, waste, portion control, and product utilization.

  • Help standardize ordering practices and vendor/product specifications across assigned locations.

  • Identify opportunities to reduce food waste and improve kitchen productivity without compromising quality.

  • Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, personal hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness.

  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local health regulations and healthcare/community policies.

  • Monitor proper food storage, temperature control, labeling, dating, allergen management, and sanitation procedures.

 

Education/Experience:

  • Must possess, at least a high school education or equivalent

  • Two (2) years dietary experience

  • Experience working with senior adults or healthcare populations.

  • Must be able to cook a variety of foods in large quantities

  • ServSafe certification or equivalent food-safety credential.

  • Certified Dietary Manager (strongly preferred)

  • Experience managing multiple culinary locations or traveling to cook.

  • Experience with inventory, purchasing, and menu management is a plus.

Our Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, this company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training