Catering Cook

Los Angeles, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid holidays

Job Description

UCLA Catering is a renowned department that operates within the University of California, Los Angeles, providing extensive catering services throughout the campus. Specifically, UCLA Catering services various venues including the Luskin Conference Center, Housing & Hospitality meeting and event spaces, as well as other locations around the greater UCLA campus. Known for its commitment to excellence, the department orchestrates over 15,000 events annually. These events span a wide range in size and complexity, from offering the UCLA Coffee Service for smaller gatherings to executing large-scale, high-profile VIP gala events. This breadth of experience underscores UCLA Catering's ability to provide outstanding culinary and event services tailored to diverse client needs, maintaining a high standard of quality and satisfaction throughout all interactions and executions.

The role of Catering Cook at UCLA Catering is pivotal and dynamic, designed for professionals passionate about culinary arts and customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume catering environment. This position involves taking on leadership responsibilities within the kitchen team to ensure the timely and precise preparation of multiple food products from a specified menu. Key responsibilities include assigning tasks, supervising, and supporting team members to deliver superior food quality and service efficiently. The Catering Cook plays an essential role in setting up cooking and buffet stations aligned with Banquet Event Orders and client specifications, ensuring the setup is both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Adherence to strict food handling, sanitation, and safety guidelines is mandatory to uphold the health standards expected in a university setting. The position demands a comprehensive understanding of culinary techniques and terminology as well as strong organizational skills to manage fluctuating workloads and schedules effectively. This role requires effective communication skills given the frequent interactions with both team members and clients, ensuring a cooperative and respectful work environment. The ability to independently exercise sound judgment to maintain customer satisfaction is also crucial.

This position is offered with a variable schedule to meet the needs of UCLA’s diverse event calendar, and may require working nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime. The salary range for the Catering Cook role is competitive and based on experience, skills, education, and other factors. UCLA offers a comprehensive benefits package starting from day one, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, positioning it as an excellent career opportunity for those interested in advancing their culinary careers within a respected academic institution.

Job Requirements

3+ years food preparation and general kitchen maintenance
Equivalent combination of education and experience
1+ year experience in a catering kitchen preferred
Ability to read, understand and speak English
Ability to engage with diverse populations respectfully
Ability to work cooperatively with a team
Ability to read, write, perform basic calculations
Knowledge of sanitation and safety rules
Knowledge of inventory control methods
Ability to comply with safety standards
Ability to produce food in high-volume catering
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance
Ability to operate independently and ensure customer satisfaction
Strong culinary techniques and terminology knowledge
Must be 18 years or older
Available to work varying schedules including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime
Completion of satisfactory background check and physical examination required

Job Qualifications

3+ years food preparation and general kitchen maintenance
Ability to read, understand, and speak English sufficiently
Ability to engage respectfully with diverse populations
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team
Ability to read, write, and perform basic calculations for recipes and measurements
Knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures
Knowledge of inventory control principles
Ability to comply with safety standards
Ability to produce food in high-volume catering environments
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Ability to maintain punctual attendance
Ability to operate independently and exercise good judgment
Strong culinary techniques and terminology understanding

Job Duties

Provide team leadership and support in the production and service of food products
Assign, lead, and monitor the work of kitchen staff
Design and set up cooking and buffet stations according to Banquet Event Orders
Adhere to food handling and sanitation guidelines
Follow established timelines for food production
Interact with team members and clients in a high-volume environment
Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation