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Prep Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

EL Cook/Prep

Whittier, CA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

EL Cook/Prep

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

EL Cook/Prep

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

EL Cook/Prep

Victorville, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

EL Cook/Prep

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

EL Cook/Prep

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager Job Overview The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food ...

Prep Cook

Chino Hills, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Laguna Niguel, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Corona, CA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Valencia, CA

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Agoura Hills, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Prep Cook

Los Angeles, CA

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Following prep lists prepared by managers and supervisors. * Maintaining a clean, orderly, and sanitized kitchen, including equipment, utensils, and tools. * Prepare food according to Wood Ranch ...

Showing results 21-40

Prep Manager information

What are some common challenges faced by a prep manager in a busy kitchen environment?

Prep Managers often navigate challenges such as coordinating multiple prep cooks, managing tight timelines, and ensuring consistent food quality during peak hours. They must balance maintaining inventory levels with minimizing food waste, all while adhering to safety and sanitation standards. Successful Prep Managers also foster clear communication between kitchen staff and other departments, which helps prevent bottlenecks and ensures smooth kitchen operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a prep manager?

To thrive as a Prep Manager, you need a solid background in food preparation, kitchen management, and inventory control, often supported by culinary training or relevant restaurant experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, leadership, and effective communication help create a positive team environment and ensure efficiency. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining high food quality, safety standards, and smooth kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Prep Manager vs Prep Cook?

AspectPrep ManagerPrep Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in food prep; leadership skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic culinary skills
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role in commercial kitchens, restaurants, or catering servicesKitchen environment, assisting chefs with food preparation
ResponsibilitiesOversees prep staff, manages prep schedules, ensures quality standardsPrepares ingredients, follows recipes, maintains cleanliness

The Prep Manager typically has more leadership responsibilities, overseeing prep staff and managing schedules, while the Prep Cook focuses on food preparation tasks. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Prep Manager's role includes supervisory duties and coordination within the kitchen environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prep jobs in California?

The most popular types of Prep jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Prep Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Prep Manager job openings:

$15 - $18.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position: Prep Cook
Reports to: Shift Leader / Assistant Manager / General Manager
Job Overview
The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients and food items according to El Pollo Loco's recipes, prep procedures, and food safety standards. This role supports kitchen efficiency and consistency, ensuring ingredients are ready for grilling and service.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation
  • Prepare ingredients including marinating chicken, chopping produce, portioning proteins, and preparing salsas according to brand standards.
  • Follow approved recipes, prep lists, and portion controls.
  • Label, date, store, and rotate food items according to FIFO guidelines.
  • Assist with basic cooking or grill support tasks as assigned.

Kitchen Support & Operations
  • Maintain clean and organized prep areas, coolers, and storage spaces.
  • Clean and sanitize prep tools, utensils, and equipment.
  • Monitor prep levels and communicate shortages or quality concerns to management.
  • Support kitchen operations during high-volume periods.

Food Safety & Compliance
  • Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Properly handle raw and cooked products to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Comply with company safety policies and cleanliness standards.

Teamwork & Professionalism
  • Work collaboratively with cooks and grill staff.
  • Follow direction from managers and shift leaders.
  • Demonstrate dependability, teamwork, and professionalism.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Physical Activity
  • Standing, walking, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and grasping.
  • Cutting, marinating, mixing, and portioning food items.
  • Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
  • Communicating with restaurant team members and management.
  • Use of knives, prep equipment, and kitchen tools, as permitted by applicable state age requirements.

Physical Requirements
  • Standing and walking for extended periods during the work shift.
  • Lifting and carrying ranges:
  • 0-10 lbs: Frequent
  • 11-25 lbs: Frequent
  • 26-50 lbs: Occasional with assistance
  • 51-75 lbs: Seldom; team-lift only
  • Pushing and pulling approximately 10-40 lbs of force occasionally.
  • Frequent repetitive hand and wrist movements.

Work Environment
  • Work performed primarily in a restaurant kitchen environment.
  • Exposure to open-flame grills, heat, cold storage areas, noise, wet or slippery surfaces, and cleaning chemicals.
  • Fast-paced environment with variable schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Cognitive Demands (ADA/FEHA-Compliant)
  • Ability to follow prep procedures and recipes accurately.
  • Ability to maintain focus and food safety standards.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Requirements
  • Previous food prep or kitchen experience preferred but not required.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

This document describes the job and its traditional physical, cognitive, and environmental demands. It does not describe the abilities of any individual employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.