Prep Cook
Prep Cook
Department: Culinary
Location: Harvest in the Gardens (HITG), Nassau, Bahamas
About Harvest in the Gardens
Harvest in the Gardens (HITG) is a hospitality destination where exceptional dining, immersive entertainment, meaningful community, and genuine hospitality come together to create unforgettable experiences.
Behind every exceptional meal is thoughtful preparation. Our Prep Cooks play a vital role in ensuring ingredients are fresh, organized, and ready for service, allowing the culinary team to consistently deliver outstanding food and memorable guest experiences.
Position Overview
The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing ingredients, organizing food production, and supporting the culinary team by ensuring all stations are properly stocked and service-ready.
Reporting to the Sous Chef, this role prepares vegetables, proteins, sauces, dressings, and other menu components according to standardized recipes and production schedules. The Prep Cook helps maintain kitchen cleanliness, food safety, and operational efficiency while supporting seamless service throughout the day.
Key Relationships
Reports To
- Sous Chef
Collaborates With
- Culinary & Chain Supply Director
- Line Cooks
- Stewards / Dishwashers
- Food Experience Leadership
- Venue Services
- People & Talent
Areas of Stewardship
Culinary Excellence Stewardship
The Prep Cook is responsible for preparing high-quality ingredients that support consistent food production across all menu offerings.
Responsibilities include:
- Prepare ingredients according to standardized recipes and production plans.
- Wash, peel, chop, slice, portion, and organize food items for service.
- Prepare sauces, dressings, marinades, and other recipe components.
- Ensure all prepared items meet quality and freshness standards.
- Label and date products according to food safety procedures.
Team Member Stewardship
- Support Line Cooks by maintaining adequate prep levels throughout service.
- Communicate production needs with the Sous Chef.
- Assist fellow culinary team members as operational needs require.
- Participate in daily kitchen briefings.
- Maintain a collaborative and respectful work environment.
Operational Stewardship
- Organize prep stations before, during, and after production.
- Follow food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards at all times.
- Properly store and rotate food products using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles.
- Maintain cleanliness of prep areas, equipment, and utensils.
- Complete assigned opening and closing responsibilities.
- Report equipment or maintenance concerns promptly.
Financial Stewardship
- Prepare ingredients according to production needs to minimize waste.
- Practice proper portioning and product handling.
- Protect company inventory through careful storage and rotation.
- Handle kitchen equipment responsibly.
- Support inventory accuracy through organized preparation practices.
Cross-Functional Stewardship
- Coordinate with Line Cooks to maintain ingredient availability.
- Support the Sous Chef with production priorities.
- Assist with banquet, catering, and special event preparation as assigned.
- Maintain effective communication with the culinary team throughout production.
- Contribute to a smooth and efficient kitchen operation.
Team Member Expectations
Prep Cooks are expected to demonstrate consistency, organization, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence. Team members should work proactively, anticipate production needs, maintain a clean and safe work environment, and contribute positively to the overall success of the culinary team.
Key Competencies
- Food Preparation
- Knife Skills
- Organization
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Reliability
- Adaptability
- Professionalism
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous food preparation or kitchen experience preferred.
- Basic understanding of food handling and kitchen safety practices.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
- Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
Preferred
- Culinary education or vocational training.
- Previous experience in a commercial kitchen.
- Food Handler's Certificate or willingness to obtain one.
- Knowledge of food preparation techniques and knife safety.
- Experience supporting high-volume food production.
Working Conditions
This position requires flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
The role requires extended periods of standing while working in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment. Team members should be comfortable working with sharp tools, commercial kitchen equipment, refrigerated storage areas, and varying kitchen temperatures.
Proficiency Requirement
To successfully perform this position, the team member must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to safely, effectively, and consistently perform the essential functions of the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions where applicable.
Our Commitment
At Harvest in the Gardens, exceptional culinary experiences begin long before the first guest is served. Our Prep Cooks are essential to the success of our kitchen, ensuring every ingredient is prepared with care, every station is ready for service, and every meal starts with a strong foundation.
If you're organized, dependable, and passionate about culinary excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Harvest in the Gardens and help lay the foundation for extraordinary dining experiences through preparation, precision, and teamwork.