Vanderbilt University

Cook

Work at Vanderbilt

City: Nashville, TN, US

Employer Reference: 10006545

Company Description

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Description

Position Summary: 

The Cook is key member of the Campus Dining Team within the Division of Administration at Vanderbilt University.  The Cook is responsible for supporting the culinary leadership and senior cooks in a variety of functions and executing complex recipes.  This position is also responsible for butchering meats, chopping vegetables using advanced cuts, preparing multi-ingredient sauces and completing other advanced level culinary tasks.   This position will provide delegation to cook assistants in the kitchen.   

About the Campus Dining Department: 

Vanderbilt Campus Dining takes pride in the culinary creations served from our kitchens. Our Dining program is highly decorated, the winner of many prestigious awards in the food service industry, including Best On-Site Food Service Operation in the Nation, Best Food Service Operator, the prestigious Ivy Award, and many more. We have main dining centers, restaurants and cafes, convenience stores, and we employ over 300 employees. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance: 

Provide leadership and culinary instruction to cook assistants per managements direction 

Assist with training servers on use of correct portions when cutting, preparing, and serving items  

Notify day and night shifts regarding of menu items that require long cooking times to ensure unit is prepared for upcoming meals  

Communicate with the management to maintain the level of food quality that is expected  

Cook and prepare food using complex, multi-ingredient recipes  

Cuts, trims, bones and carves meats and poultry, chops vegetables using advanced cuts, prepares multi-ingredient sauces and completes other advanced level culinary tasks 

Cook and prepare food according to production guidelines and recipes using various methods of food preparation, cooking times, and portion sizes to ensure food is prepared in prescribed manner 

Provide information to unit leadership when issues arise that could affect the service before each meal period  

Responsible for using correct portions when cutting, preparing, and serving items 

Evaluates food quality and preparedness by using proper quality control measures  

Cover, date and correctly store all food items as per safe food-handling procedures 

Complete production sheets, which includes logs for waste, temperature and actual prepared product  

Identify production needs based on recipes and par levels  

Ensure food is stored at the correct temperature for the prescribed length of time while following all food safety standards and complete daily temperature logs 

Set up and break down work stations 

Clean and sanitizes work areas, equipment and utensils to ensure a clean and sanitary work station 

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position does not have supervisory; this position reports administratively and functionally to the unit's management team and chef. 

Qualifications: 

High School education or equivalent preferred 

Serve Safe Certified preferred 

Excellent customer service  

Great interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment  

Minimum 1½ years' experience in the food service industry as a cook is necessary  

More than 3 years' experience in the food service industry as a cook preferred 

Must be able to understand and follow directions  

Ability to read documents  

Possess knowledge and skill in a variety of cooking techniques  

Ability to cook complex recipes  

Must be able to safely operate all kitchen equipment 

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and frequently lift, push, pull, or carry up to 30 lbs. 

Ability to walk or stand for extended time periods, up to 6 hours 

Involves repetitive motion 

Requires frequent lifting/transporting hot food items 

Ability to work in all unit and kitchen areas while interacting with heated equipment, steam, chemicals for cleaning, etc.  

 

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Vanderbilt University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity. Vanderbilt University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, or genetic information in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other University-administered programs; or employment. Accessibility information. Vanderbilt®, Vanderbilt University® and the Vanderbilt logos are trademarks of The Vanderbilt University. © 2025

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