Production Chef
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The Spence School
New York, NY, US
Summary
The Production Chef will assist with daily hot-station preparation, including proteins, soups, and sauces, while supporting lunch service and special events. They are responsible for maintaining a clean, organized workstation and ensuring all food safety and quality standards are met.
Job Description
Job Details: Job Location: 91 - New York, NY, Salary Range: $23.00 - $25.00Hourly, THE SPENCE SCHOOL
Position: Production Chef
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Start Date: Aug 31, 2026
Hours worked: Full-time M-F 7 a.m.-3 p.m. (evenings/weekends as needed)
Location: Upper East Side, New York City
Compensation: $23-$25/hour, commensurate with experience
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
The Spence School is an independent girls’ school in New York City serving students in grades K–12. We are seeking a Production Chef to join our kitchen team at the Middle/Upper School campus, where we serve over 550 students (grades 5–12) and 125 faculty and staff daily.
Our employees are compassionate, collaborative, and dedicated professionals who bring respect and care into every interaction with members of the community. We are committed to high ethical standards and to supporting the emotional and physical well-being of our community. Our kitchen emphasizes fresh, scratch-cooked food, global flavors, sustainability, and nutrition education.
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Production Chef with at least three years of professional kitchen experience. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role supporting daily hot-station production, lunch service, and special events.
Reporting to the Head Chef, the Production Chef will work closely with the hot-station team to prepare high-quality food in a collaborative, high-volume school kitchen. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, flexible, and enjoys working as part of a team. A willingness to take initiative and assist wherever needed is essential.
Qualifications: Required Qualifications
At least 3 years of professional cooking experience; high-volume experience strongly preferred
Culinary training or equivalent professional experience preferred
Strong food-preparation skills and knowledge of diverse cuisines
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices, including HACCP and ServSafe standards
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Collaborative, flexible, dependable, and able to maintain a positive, professional work environment
Interest in scratch cooking, sustainability, and feeding a school community
Duties & Responsibilities:
Assist with daily hot-station preparation, including proteins, soups, vegetarian entrées, sauces, stocks, and batch cooking
Communicate closely with the Head Chef and hot-station team to support daily production needs
Complete tasks accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Support lunch service and assist other kitchen stations as needed
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation
Assist with catered events, including preparation, setup, execution, and breakdown
Help maintain the cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment, storage areas, and service spaces
Participate in deep-cleaning projects as needed
Follow sustainable practices and all food safety and quality standards
Why You’ll Enjoy Working Here
Meaningful work: Prepare fresh, thoughtful food that supports students’ health, learning, and well-being.
Great schedule: Primarily weekday hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends for special events.
Scratch cooking: Work with quality ingredients in a kitchen that values fresh preparation, global flavors, and sustainability.
Supportive team: Join a collaborative, respectful team where creative ideas and professional growth are encouraged.
