ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Prep Manager Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL (NOW HIRING)

Smoque BBQ

Kitchen Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Smoque BBQ is hiring a Kitchen Prep Manager to run the morning prep operation at one of Chicago's most respected BBQ restaurants. This is a full-time, early-morning leadership role (typically 6am-2pm ...

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 ...

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Naperville, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Prep Cook Our Prep 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 ...

Bottleneck Management

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Prep Cook Our Prep 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 ...

Culver's

Food Prep

Elgin, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

CULVER'S ® FOOD PREP Reports to manager on duty JOB SUMMARY Provides friendly, courteous guest service and hospitality to fulfill our mission and increase guest loyalty to encourage return visits.

Culver's

Food Prep

Elgin, IL · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

CULVER'S ® FOOD PREP Reports to manager on duty JOB SUMMARY Provides friendly, courteous guest service and hospitality to fulfill our mission and increase guest loyalty to encourage return visits.

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Norridge, IL

$14 - $17.75/hr

This role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

This role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

This role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL

$14 - $17.75/hr

This role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

This role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

This role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Aurora, IL

$13.75 - $17.25/hr

This role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects ...

TGI Fridays - 2668

Prep

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Communicates to management team when running low on product. * Completes assigned prep work for stocking and set up of station. Breaks down and cleans prep area, walk-ins and freezers thoroughly ...

TGI Fridays - 2668

Prep

Chicago, IL

$18/hr

Communicates to management team when running low on product. * Completes assigned prep work for stocking and set up of station. Breaks down and cleans prep area, walk-ins and freezers thoroughly ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Lombard, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

This role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects ...

Miller's Ale House

Prep Cook

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

This role requires attention to detail, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety practices. The Prep Cook also represents Miller's Ale House by providing service that reflects ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrep JobsPrep Manager JobsPrep Manager Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

Prep Manager information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

$9

$26

$53

How much do prep manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for prep manager in Mount Prospect, IL is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Mount Prospect, IL are hiring for Prep Manager jobs?

Cities near Mount Prospect, IL with the most Prep Manager job openings:

Prep Manager jobs near you

Kitchen Manager

Smoque BBQ

Chicago, IL • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the daily prep operation and morning BOH team (prep cooks + dishwasher).

  • Oversee execution of large-batch, recipe-driven prep and manage smoker timing to ensure food quality and consistency.

  • Monitor prep timelines, enforce food safety procedures, and support team training and accountability.

Job description

Smoque BBQ is hiring a Kitchen Prep Manager to run the morning prep operation at one of Chicago’s most respected BBQ restaurants. This is a full-time, early-morning leadership role (typically 6am–2pm, with occasional variation) responsible for overseeing all food prep that powers our high-volume lunch and dinner service.

This isn’t a culinary “create and innovate” role — it’s a get-it-done-right leadership role. You’ll be managing a team of prep cooks and dishwashers each morning to ensure all recipes are executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring smoker runs — getting meats in and out of the pits at the right times, with consistency and care.

Who This Role is For
  • You have real BOH production experience — not chasing chef titles, but confident managing production, process, and people
  • You’re highly organized, with strong time management skills
  • You lead from the floor, not from a clipboard. You jump in, train on the fly, and hold the line when it gets busy
  • You’re comfortable running a high-volume prep operation under pressure — not just “helping out"
  • You lead by example and get the best out of others
  • You take pride in doing things right, every single time
  • You don’t need the spotlight — but you are the one making sure the lights come on and the food’s ready
What You’ll Do
  • Lead the daily prep operation and morning BOH team (prep cooks + dishwasher)
  • Oversee execution of large-batch, recipe-driven prep — sauces, rubs, sides, etc.
  • Manage smoker timing — loading and unloading meats on schedule
  • Maintain prep timelines and task organization to ensure nothing falls behind
  • Monitor food quality and consistency throughout all stages of prep
  • Enforce food safety and sanitation procedures
  • Train, support, and hold your team accountable
  • Communicate with FOH and evening BOH staff to ensure smooth handoffs

  • Work side-by-side with your team on the prep line — this is a hands-on role, not supervisory-only

Requirements
  • 2–5 years of back-of-house experience in production management
  • Must have prior lead or supervisory experience in a BOH kitchen (line cook or server experience alone does not qualify)
  • Comfortable managing people and setting expectations
  • Familiarity with kitchen equipment and prep procedures
  • ServSafe Manager certification
  • Able to lift 50 pounds and stay on your feet for extended periods
  • Early riser with a flexible schedule (some earlier or later days may be needed)
  • English fluency required; Spanish fluency a plus
What We Offer
  • Consistent full-time schedule — primarily early mornings
  • Respectful, professional kitchen culture
  • Competitive pay and benefits
  • A leadership role with impact, stability, and zero fluff
  • The chance to be part of a team that takes BBQ — and each other — seriously
  • Competitive Salary, Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, Dining Discounts

Only apply if you’re ready for early mornings, high standards, and real leadership.
Serious candidates only.

 

More detail about Smoque BBQ part of Smoque, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/50999-Smoque-BBQ