Job Description

Cook

From innovative menus and striking design to impeccable service and critical attention to detail, at Great Performances, we weave our mission into all we do. Serving New York City for over four decades Great Performances has evolved from a waitress staffing agency to the leading catering, events, and hospitality companies in the greater New York area. We provide food services in an array of celebrated New York City cultural institutions including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Wave Hill, and The Apollo Theater. We are known for full-service catering and events, corporate workplace dining and amenity programs, and large-scale event and festival production. Great Performances is the nation's first caterer to own and operate an organic farm, Katchkie Farm located in Kinderhook, NY. Progressive from the start, we consistently set the pace for industry best practices.

We are seeking highly motivated and talented individuals to join our team and to support our vision, mission, and values through everything they do. If you share our passion and want to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply.

Our Vision: Building Community to Better Our World

Our Mission: Unleash Joy through Genuine Hospitality

Our Core Values:

• Craftsmanship: developing new menus, designs, and moments to deliver engaging experiences to our clients and guests.
• People: creating fair access, opportunity, and advancement for everyone. Our employees are our greatest asset.
• Sustainability: upholding and elevating standards for sustainable behaviors that support our planet.
• Collaboration: aligning with our clients', colleagues', and community's visions to execute a successful experience.
• Doing Good through Food: engaging in action around food access, health and wellness, education, and philanthropy.

We are seeking a skilled and reliable Cook to join our team at Great Performances. This individual must have strong experience in both cooking and food preparation and be able to step in to support prepping and cooking wherever needed across kitchen operations. The ideal candidate is adaptable, team-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of quality, cleanliness, and professionalism.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Perform daily food prep, including chopping, portioning, and ingredient preparation.
• Step in to support both prepping and cooking functions based on operational needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Ensure proper food storage, labeling, and rotation (FIFO).
• Assist with kitchen setup and breakdown for daily service.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and consistency throughout service.
• Work collaboratively with chefs and team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely service.
• Follow all company policies, procedures, and food safety guidelines.
• Performs additional duties as required based on the needs of the operation.

Qualifications:

• 2–4 years of experience in a professional kitchen, café, or food service environment.
• Proven experience in both cooking and food preparation required.
• Ability to step in and support multiple kitchen functions as needed.
• Strong knowledge of basic culinary techniques.
• Excellent knife skills required.
• NYC Department of Health Food Protection Certificate a plus.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and stand for extended periods (at least 8 hours).
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of NYC Department of Health (DOH) guidelines and safe food handling practices required.
• Flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed.

Location: New York, NY

Schedule: Full-time, On-Site

Base salary: $25.00/hour

Benefits: Vacation time, 401(k), medical, dental, and vision insurance, transit benefits, paid and unpaid safe and sick time, and FSA (Flexible Spending Account).

Must be able to provide valid documentation that you are legally eligible to work in the United States.

Great Performances is an equal opportunity employer. At Great Performances, we employ qualified individuals based solely on ability, training, and experience. Great Performances does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment or promotion based on race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

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