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Cook Manager Jobs in Lincoln, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$15 - $18/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 know and follow sanitation ...

Cook

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Restaurant Manager/General Manager/Manager on Duty Job Overview The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking menu items according to Denny's recipes, plating standards, and food safety ...

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 know and follow sanitation ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $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

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $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

Springfield, IL

$14 - $18.50/hr

Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Normal, IL

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational and quality standards

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Manage and control food inventory, ensuring the freshness and quality of ingredients. A successful candidate will: * Have proven experience as a cook or in a similar culinary role, preferably within ...

Cook

Springfield, IL

$14 - $18.50/hr

Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Normal, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational and quality standards

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Manager on Duty (MOD) Status: Nonexempt Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Essential Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational ...

Cook

Normal, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Manager on Duty (MOD) Position Summary: This position cooks, prepares, and packages product. Job Duties: * Cook, prepare, and package food product pursuant to operational and quality standards

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Monitors inventory levels and communicates needs to the Kitchen Manager. * Monitors food quality throughout the preparation and cooking process. Adjusts seasoning and presentation to ensure dishes ...

Monitors inventory levels and communicates needs to the Kitchen Manager. * Monitors food quality throughout the preparation and cooking process. Adjusts seasoning and presentation to ensure dishes ...

Monitors inventory levels and communicates needs to the Kitchen Manager. * Monitors food quality throughout the preparation and cooking process. Adjusts seasoning and presentation to ensure dishes ...

Monitors inventory levels and communicates needs to the Kitchen Manager. * Monitors food quality throughout the preparation and cooking process. Adjusts seasoning and presentation to ensure dishes ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cook Manager information

See Lincoln, IL salary details

$11

$27

$37

How much do cook manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook manager in Lincoln, IL is $27.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.22 and $32.84 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 cities near Lincoln, IL are hiring for Cook Manager jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Cook Manager job openings in Lincoln, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,501 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Food Service - Cook, Manager

Normal, IL

$23.95/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

                                                                                                                           McLean County Unit District #5

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Food Service - Cook, Manager
Department: Operations
Level/Grade: Education Support Personnel
FLSA Class: Exempt /10 Month


Location: Warehouse 
Reports to: Food Service Director
Type of Position: FTE 1.0

Position Summary:

The Associate Food Service Manager assists the Director of School
Nutrition in providing direct operational oversight of multiple school kitchens and food service managers, ensuring compliance with USDA regulations, state requirements, food safety standards, financial accountability, and district policies. The Associate Food Service Manager serves as a key leader in supporting high-quality meal service, staff development, menu implementation, procurement, inventory management, and continuous operational
improvement.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide direct supervision, training, evaluation, and support to food service managers across assigned schools.
  • Monitor daily meal service operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Conduct regular site visits to assess food quality, service standards, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
  • Respond to operational concerns and assist with resolution of kitchen issues.
  • Assist managers, especially newly assigned food service managers, with opening and closing schools, staffing transitions, and operational troubleshooting.
  • Promote a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a liaison between school food service managers, food service employees, the Director of School Nutrition, school administrators, and students.
  • Monitor recipe adherence, portion control, and product utilization at assigned school sites.
  • Assist with forecasting and order submission activities, as needed, at assigned school sites.
  • Review inventory management practices at assigned school sites to ensure they meet district policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with menu planning staff to ensure successful implementation of district menus.
  • Ensure compliance with all USDA Child Nutrition Program regulations, including meal pattern requirements, offer versus serve, production records, meal counting and claiming, civil rights, procurement, and professional standards requirements.
  • Ensure all kitchens comply with HACCP-based food safety plans, local health department regulations, and district sanitation standards.
  • Conduct food safety audits and monitor corrective actions.
  • Conduct internal on-site compliance reviews and corrective action follow-up.
  • Ensure schools maintain required records and documentation to support federal reimbursement claims and USDA program participation.
  • Assist with Administrative Reviews, Resource Management Reviews, and state agency monitoring visits.
  • Coordinate professional development and USDA Professional Standards training.
  • Support catering functions and district initiatives as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of School Nutrition.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Must possess a current Illinois Food Protection Manager Certificate (e.g., ServSafe).
  • Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements, including meal patterns, portion sizes, production records, and reporting requirements.
  • Previous experience preparing large-scale meals in a school, hospital, or institutional food service setting preferred.
  • Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
  • Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills, including maintaining inventory, ordering, meal count, and compliance records.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to supervise employees and work effectively with students, staff, and administrators.
  • Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working in temperature extremes.
  •  

Compensation:

Per the 2026-2027 Associate Food Service Manager Salary Schedule, the starting pay range is  $23.95 per hour to $32.29 per hour and is based upon experience.


Application Procedure:
Apply Online at www.unit5.org