Cook | Part-Time | University of Illinois Athletics

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Position Summary

We are seeking skilled and motivated Cooks to join our culinary team at the University of Illinois athletic facilities, including Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center. Culinary Cooks are responsible for preparing high-quality food in a fast-paced, large-scale kitchen environment, supporting both concessions and premium hospitality operations. This position plays a key role in delivering exceptional food experiences for Fighting Illini fans, guests, and event attendees.

This role pays an hourly rate of $18.00-$20.00

Benefits for Part-Time roles: 401(k) Savings Plan and 401(k) matching

This position will remain open until December 31, 2025.

About the Venue

Oak View Group (OVG) proudly partners with the University of Illinois to deliver an elevated fan and guest experience across Fighting Illini athletic facilities. From Memorial Stadium to State Farm Center, OVG manages all food, beverage, and premium hospitality services, ensuring that every game day and special event is memorable, seamless, and distinctly Illini.

Memorial Stadium

• A historic Big Ten venue with a capacity of over 60,000, Memorial Stadium is the heart of Illinois football. OVG operates diverse concessions concepts—including Illini-themed stands, national favorites, and local partnerships—while also curating premium suite and club experiences that blend tradition with modern hospitality.

State Farm Center

• As one of the nation’s premier on-campus arenas, the State Farm Center hosts Fighting Illini basketball, concerts, and world-class entertainment. OVG elevates the fan experience through innovative menu design, premium lounge service, and fast, fan-friendly concessions tailored to high-volume crowds.

Hospitality & Guest Experience

• Through Illini Hospitality, OVG emphasizes service excellence, creative food and beverage concepts, and operational efficiency. From specialty cocktails and Illini-branded snacks to all-inclusive club offerings, OVG focuses on creating lasting connections between fans, the Fighting Illini brand, and the Champaign-Urbana community.

Commitment to Innovation

• Aligned with the University’s forward-looking spirit, OVG leverages industry best practices, cutting-edge technology, and local sourcing to deliver exceptional value. Whether serving 60,000 football fans, 15,000 basketball enthusiasts, or guests at private campus events, OVG ensures that Illinois facilities remain at the forefront of collegiate athletics hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items according to standardized recipes and quality expectations.

• Assist with food preparation for concessions, clubs, suites, and catering events.

• Set up and break down cooking stations, ensuring cleanliness and organization at all times.

• Maintain proper food handling, sanitation, and safety standards in compliance with OVG and health department regulations.

• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, reporting any malfunctions to supervisors.

• Collaborate with chefs, supervisors, and other culinary staff to ensure timely execution of event service.

• Monitor product levels and assist with receiving and storing deliveries.

• Support special events and game-day operations by adapting to changing menus and volume needs.

• Perform additional kitchen duties as assigned to ensure overall success of the culinary operation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years of cooking experience in a restaurant, catering, or large-scale food service environment preferred.

• Knowledge of proper cooking techniques, food safety, and sanitation practices.

• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment with a strong attention to detail.

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods of time.

• Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the athletic and event calendar.

• Culinary training or certification a plus, but not required.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.