Cook II

The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk is a distinguished luxury hotel located in the heart of Chicago, offering stunning views of the Chicago River and an iconic hospitality experience. As part of the globally recognized Sheraton Hotels & Resorts brand under Marriott International, the hotel prides itself on creating meaningful guest experiences through thoughtful and engaging service. Sheraton has been a gathering place since 1937 and continues to foster a warm sense of community in more than 400 locations worldwide. The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk uniquely positions itself as a premier destination not only for visitors seeking comfort and luxury but also for associates who want to advance their careers in hospitality within a supportive and inclusive environment.

This position involves working as a culinary associate at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, with a strong emphasis on enhancing skills through a strategic partnership with the Rouxbe Cooking School. The partnership allows culinary staff access to Rouxbe's self-paced, online training platform that offers hundreds of professional-level cooking lessons. This training program is designed to equip associates of all skill levels with essential culinary techniques and knowledge that can be directly applied to their day-to-day job functions. As a culinary associate, the role requires preparing ingredients by correctly portioning, chopping, and storing food items. Additionally, associates will be responsible for washing and peeling fresh fruits and vegetables, weighing and mixing ingredients, preparing and cooking food precisely according to established recipes, quality and presentation standards, and food preparation checklists.

The culinary associate will also handle the preparation of cold foods and operate various cooking appliances such as ovens, stoves, grills, microwaves, and fryers. A critical aspect of the role is to test the food to ensure it is cooked sufficiently and monitor food quality throughout preparation. The job involves setting up and breaking down chef stations, serving food in proper portions using designated receptacles, and ensuring cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen area, tools, knives, and equipment. Proper temperature checks of both appliances and food must be performed conscientiously.

Beyond food preparation, this role includes adhering strictly to all company safety policies and procedures, reporting maintenance needs or unsafe conditions, and completing mandatory safety certifications. Culinary associates must maintain professional appearance standards and uphold confidentiality regarding proprietary information. Workplace communication is expected to be clear, professional, and supportive, fostering positive working relationships within the team. This role demands stamina, as associates must stand, sit, or walk for extended shifts and perform physical movements such as bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.

This opportunity is ideal for individuals with a high school diploma or GED equivalent and at least one year of related culinary experience. The position is an entry-level role without supervisory responsibilities but offers growth potential through skill development and training. Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk offers comprehensive benefits including health care, retirement plans, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage. Joining Sheraton means becoming part of a diverse and inclusive global team dedicated to providing exceptional hospitality and creating standout guest experiences. This culinary associate role is perfect for someone passionate about food preparation who wishes to grow their culinary career within the dynamic hospitality sector.