Cook - UI Health Hospital - UI Health Food at Aramark

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cook
Company: Aramark
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Food Services Operations
Date Posted: August 12, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role is focused on the direct execution of food preparation and cooking within a high-volume food service environment at UI Health Hospital.
Key responsibilities include adhering to strict production guidelines, standardized recipes, and rigorous food safety and sanitation protocols.
The position requires strong culinary skills and an understanding of various cooking methods and food handling techniques.
Success in this role contributes directly to the quality and efficiency of patient and staff dining services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This position is a hands-on culinary role within a healthcare setting, emphasizing operational efficiency and adherence to health and safety standards, rather than a typical corporate revenue or sales operations role. It requires a strong understanding of food service operations and a commitment to quality.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Prepare a diverse range of food items, adhering strictly to established production guidelines and standardized recipes to ensure consistency and quality.
Set up workstations efficiently, ensuring all necessary ingredients, equipment, and utensils are readily available for smooth workflow execution.
Execute food preparation tasks, including precise measuring, weighing, mixing, chopping, trimming, and peeling of various ingredients.
Safely and proficiently utilize a variety of kitchen tools and utensils, including knives, and operate standard kitchen equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, and mixers.
Apply a range of cooking methods, including baking, roasting, broiling, and steaming, to prepare meats, vegetables, and other food items.
Arrange, garnish, and portion food items according to established portion control and presentation guidelines.
Properly store food items, meticulously following all food safety policies and procedures to prevent spoilage and contamination.
Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment, ensuring all workstations, equipment, and utensils are cleaned and sanitized according to health department standards.
Deliver excellent customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor when interacting with guests, customers, clients, and colleagues.
Uphold Aramark's safety policies and procedures, with a particular focus on accurate food safety practices and sanitation protocols.
Ensure the security of all company assets and resources within the work area.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a focus on operational execution, quality control, and compliance within a food service context. The emphasis on standardized recipes and production guidelines points to a need for process adherence and efficiency in daily tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred, demonstrating foundational knowledge.
Experience: Prior experience as a cook or in a closely related food service role is required, providing a baseline understanding of kitchen operations and culinary techniques.

Required Skills:

Culinary Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to cook and prepare a variety of food items using different cooking methods.
Food Safety & Sanitation: Validated knowledge of basic food preparation principles, various cooking methods, and strict adherence to food safety regulations, including proper food handling, sanitation, and storage.
Equipment Operation: Competence in safely operating standard kitchen equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, and mixers.
Interpersonal Communication: Demonstrates effective interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear interaction with team members and customers.
Basic Math & Counting: Ability to perform basic math and counting tasks accurately for recipe adherence and inventory management.
Customer Service: Proven ability to provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive attitude.

Preferred Skills:

Food Safety Certification: Ability to acquire and maintain food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe) is highly advantageous.
Speed and Efficiency: Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment while maintaining quality standards.
Teamwork: Capacity to collaborate effectively with kitchen staff and other team members.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn new recipes, techniques, and adapt to changing menu requirements or operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to food service operations. The requirement for food safety knowledge and the potential need for certification underscore the critical importance of compliance and safety in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

While a formal digital portfolio is not explicitly required for this entry-level culinary role, candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant past experiences and achievements in their application.
Emphasis will be placed on demonstrating a clear understanding of food preparation processes and adherence to safety standards through resume and interview responses.
Examples of how you've followed recipes, maintained a clean workspace, and handled food safely will be valuable.

Process Documentation:

Understanding of and ability to follow documented standardized recipes and production guidelines is essential.
Ability to adhere to established food safety and sanitation procedures, which are critical operational processes in a healthcare setting.
Familiarity with or ability to learn efficient kitchen workflow and workstation setup for optimal preparation and service.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this specific role, the "portfolio" is more about demonstrating practical skills and process adherence through experience and interview responses rather than a curated collection of work. The focus is on the candidate's understanding and application of established food service operating procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The hourly rate for this position is $19.29.

Benefits: Aramark offers comprehensive benefit programs and services for eligible employees, which may include:

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
Work/Life Resources to support employee well-being.
Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k).
Paid days off, including parental leave.
Disability coverage.
Note: Benefits vary by location and are subject to eligibility status and legal requirements.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week. Specific shifts and schedules will be determined based on operational needs and may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated salary is a specific hourly rate, indicating a fixed compensation structure for this role. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for a full-time position with a large organization like Aramark, offering a good total compensation value.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Facilities Management Services, specifically within the Healthcare sector.
Company Size: Aramark is a large, global company with a significant presence, employing tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. This means opportunities for diverse experiences and potential career movement.
Founded: Aramark was founded in 1961. Its long history reflects a stable and established presence in the service industry.

Team Structure:

The Cook will be part of the food services team at UI Health Hospital, likely working under a Food Service Supervisor or Chef.
The team consists of various roles including dietary aides, servers, and potentially other cooks, all contributing to the efficient operation of the hospital's food service.
Collaboration is key, with constant interaction required between cooks, support staff, and potentially clinical staff regarding patient dietary needs.

Methodology:

Aramark emphasizes standardized processes for food preparation, safety, and service to ensure consistent quality and compliance with healthcare regulations.
Data analysis is likely used for inventory management, cost control, and performance tracking within the food service operation.
Workflow planning and optimization are crucial for managing busy periods and ensuring timely meal delivery.
Automation and efficiency practices are adopted where applicable, though the core of this role is hands-on preparation.

Company Website: http://www.aramarkcareers.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large organization like Aramark, especially in a healthcare setting, implies a structured environment with clear operational protocols and a strong emphasis on compliance and quality assurance. The culture likely values teamwork, service excellence, and adherence to established procedures.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level position within the food service operations segment of Aramark. It focuses on the execution of culinary tasks and adherence to operational procedures.
Reporting Structure: The Cook typically reports to a Supervisor, Lead Cook, or Chef within the UI Health Hospital's food service department.
Operations Impact: The Cook's role directly impacts patient and staff satisfaction by providing nutritious and well-prepared meals. Efficient and safe food preparation is critical to the hospital's overall operational success and patient care experience.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Development: Opportunity to develop and refine culinary skills, learn new cooking techniques, and gain experience in a high-volume healthcare food service environment.
Advancement: Potential to advance to roles such as Lead Cook, Supervisor, or explore other positions within Aramark's broader food and facilities management services.
Cross-Training: Possibility of cross-training in different areas of food service operations, such as patient tray assembly or catering preparation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level role, Aramark's extensive operations provide a clear pathway for career progression within the food service sector. The focus is on building foundational skills and demonstrating reliability and quality in a demanding operational environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a kitchen and food service environment within a hospital setting. It is a dynamic, fast-paced, and often high-pressure workplace.
Office Location(s): UI Health Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. This location means working within a healthcare facility, which has its own set of protocols and a diverse population.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is a professional kitchen equipped with commercial-grade appliances and tools.
Collaboration with team members is constant, requiring effective communication and coordination to manage workflow and ensure timely service.
Access to necessary tools, equipment, and ingredients is provided to facilitate efficient food preparation.

Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility, as hospital operations run 24/7. Shifts may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure continuous food service coverage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The healthcare environment necessitates a heightened awareness of hygiene, safety, and the importance of reliable service, which influences the workspace and daily operations. The fast-paced nature requires individuals who can thrive under pressure and manage multiple tasks efficiently.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Review of application and resume to assess relevant experience and qualifications.
Interview: Typically conducted by a hiring manager or supervisor to discuss experience, skills, and fit with the team and hospital environment. This may include behavioral questions.
Skills Demonstration (Potential): A practical cooking demonstration or a discussion about hypothetical cooking scenarios might be part of the process to assess culinary skills and food safety knowledge.
Onboarding: If selected, a thorough onboarding process will cover company policies, safety procedures, and specific job duties.

Portfolio Review Tips:

For this role, focus on clearly articulating your cooking experience and skills on your resume. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "prepared meals for up to X individuals daily").
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you have:
- Followed complex recipes accurately.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace.
- Applied food safety and sanitation principles.
- Managed your time effectively during busy periods.
Highlight any specific cuisines or cooking techniques you are proficient in.

Challenge Preparation:

Review common cooking techniques and food safety standards (e.g., temperature danger zones, proper storage).
Think about how you would handle a situation where a recipe is unclear or an ingredient is missing.
Prepare to discuss your approach to maintaining a clean and organized workstation during a busy service.
Familiarize yourself with Aramark's mission and values, especially those related to service and teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this culinary role will likely focus on practical skills, adherence to procedures, and a candidate's overall professionalism and reliability in a demanding operational setting. Demonstrating a clear understanding of food safety is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Cooking Equipment: Ovens, stoves, grills, fryers, steamers, mixers, slicers, food processors.
Utensils: Knives, whisks, spatulas, ladles, measuring cups/spoons, cutting boards.
Food Storage: Refrigerators, freezers, dry storage shelving.
Cleaning Equipment: Sanitizing solutions, dishwashers, mops, brooms, cleaning cloths.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not directly operating advanced analytics tools, understanding production reports, inventory logs, and waste tracking can be beneficial.
Adherence to inventory management processes is key.

CRM & Automation:

Primarily relies on following documented operational procedures and recipes rather than complex CRM or automation software.
Basic use of timekeeping or scheduling software might be involved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "technology stack" for this role is primarily composed of physical kitchen equipment and standardized operational processes, rather than digital platforms. Proficiency in using and maintaining this equipment safely and effectively is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Service Excellence: A commitment to providing high-quality food and service to patients, staff, and visitors.
Teamwork: Collaboration and mutual support among kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations and a positive work environment.
Safety & Compliance: Strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations.
Efficiency & Quality: Balancing speed of preparation with the consistent quality of food output.
Respect: Treating all colleagues, customers, and patients with respect and professionalism.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with other food service staff (servers, dietary aides) and potentially with hospital staff (nurses, dieticians) regarding patient meal requirements.
Process Review: Openness to feedback on preparation methods and adherence to standards to continuously improve operational efficiency and food quality.
Knowledge Sharing: Sharing best practices in cooking techniques, food safety, and workstation organization with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture in a healthcare food service setting strongly emphasizes reliability, safety, and teamwork. Employees are expected to be diligent in their tasks and contribute positively to the overall operational efficiency and patient experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple orders and tasks simultaneously during peak service hours requires strong time management and organizational skills.
Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring that every dish meets Aramark's quality and safety standards, regardless of the volume of preparation.
Adherence to Strict Protocols: Navigating and consistently applying rigorous food safety and sanitation regulations within a healthcare setting.
Physical Demands: The role can be physically demanding, involving prolonged standing, lifting, and working in a hot kitchen environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Culinary Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn diverse cooking methods, flavor profiles, and presentation techniques.
Food Safety Expertise: Deepening knowledge of food safety management systems and best practices.
Operational Efficiency: Understanding how to optimize kitchen workflow and manage resources effectively.
Career Advancement: Potential to move into leadership roles within Aramark's food service division.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation in food service operations. Challenges are met by developing efficient work habits and a keen eye for detail, while growth opportunities lie in mastering culinary skills and understanding operational management within a large service organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Culinary Process: "Describe your process for preparing a complex dish from start to finish, emphasizing safety and quality control." (Focus on step-by-step execution, ingredient handling, cooking methods, and final presentation.)
Teamwork & Collaboration: "How do you handle disagreements or communication challenges with kitchen colleagues when working under pressure?" (Highlight communication strategies, conflict resolution, and a focus on team goals.)
Problem-Solving: "Imagine you're running low on a key ingredient during a busy lunch service. How would you handle this situation?" (Demonstrate resourcefulness, communication with supervisors, and ability to adapt recipes if possible.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What interests you about working for Aramark and specifically in a healthcare food service environment?" (Research Aramark's mission, values, and commitment to healthcare.)
"How do you ensure a safe and sanitary working environment in the kitchen?" (Discuss your understanding of HACCP principles, cleaning schedules, and personal hygiene.)
"Describe a time you received constructive criticism about your cooking. How did you respond?" (Show receptiveness to feedback and commitment to improvement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Resume Focus: Ensure your resume clearly lists your cooking experience, specific skills (e.g., knife skills, specific cuisine knowledge), and any food safety certifications.
Behavioral Examples: Be ready to provide concrete examples from past roles that demonstrate your adherence to processes, problem-solving abilities, and customer service approach.
Enthusiasm for Food: Convey your passion for cooking and commitment to providing excellent food service.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on practical skills, adherence to safety protocols, and demonstrating a strong work ethic. Be prepared to showcase your understanding of food service operations and your ability to be a reliable team member.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Cook position:

Submit your application through the Aramark careers portal.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant cooking experience, food safety knowledge, and any customer service achievements. Use keywords from the job description.
Prepare for Interview: Review common cooking techniques and food safety standards. Think about specific examples that demonstrate your skills and work ethic.
Research Aramark: Understand the company's mission, values, and commitment to service, especially within the healthcare sector.
Highlight Food Safety: Be prepared to discuss your understanding and application of food safety and sanitation practices in detail.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Cook - UI Health Hospital - UI Health Food