Line Cook | Part-Time | University of Illinois Athletics

Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. 

The Line Cook is responsible for preparing menu items utilizing cooking equipment in a fast-paced environment. The Line Cook must adhere to high food quality standards to ensure guest satisfaction. Portion control, food waste, and sanitation are additional areas that the Line Cook must be aware of while operating in the kitchen.

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

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

This position will remain open until November 6, 2026.

Oak View Group (OVG) proudly partners with the University of Illinois Athletics 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.

• Responsible for providing high-quality, fresh food products in a timely manner for delivery to guests.
• Prepares hot and cold foods following company recipes and portioning requirements.
• Participates as a team player with specific responsibilities as related to preparation, excellent service, and delivery of product.
• Responsible for reporting any maintenance required for kitchen equipment.
• Maintains sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
• Responsible for observing and testing foods to ensure proper cooking.
• Responsible for portioning, arranging, and garnishing food plates for delivery to guests.
• Responsible for consulting with Executive Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen Supervisor to plan menus and estimate expected food consumption.
• Show demonstrated ability to meet the company standard for excellent attendance.

• Previous cook or prep cook experience highly preferred.
• Able to operate standard kitchen equipment, including the broiler, steamer, convection oven, mixer, meat slicer, and chef knife.
• Ability to communicate with employees, co-workers, volunteers, management staff, and guests in a clear, business-like, and respectful manner that focuses on generating a positive, enthusiastic, and cooperative work environment.
• Ability to work well in a team-oriented, fast-paced, event-driven environment.
• Possess a valid food handling certificate if required by state and federal regulations.
• ServSafe preferred.

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.

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.