Lead Cook Jobs Near Me

LEAD COOK

Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the kitchen and ensuring the preparation and service of nutritious, high-quality meals for patients, staff, and guests. This position ensures compliance with food safety regulations, dietary requirements, sanitation standards, and company policies while providing leadership and guidance to dietary staff. Lead Cook supports Oak Grove Recovery's mission by delivering exceptional food service and maintaining a safe, efficient, and organized kitchen environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of meals and snacks according to approved menus and dietary requirements.
• Supervise and coordinate daily kitchen operations to ensure timely and efficient meal preparation and service.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Monitor food quality, taste, presentation, portion control, and consistency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Order, receive, store, and manage food products and supplies while maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
• Conduct routine inspections of food preparation, storage, and service areas.
• Train, mentor, and support dietary staff in food preparation techniques, sanitation practices, and workplace expectations.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet meal service deadlines.
• Collaborate with leadership and clinical staff regarding dietary restrictions, food allergies, special diets, and patient preferences.
• Ensure proper operation, cleaning, and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
• Monitor food and labor costs and identify opportunities for improved efficiency and cost control.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, coaching, and evaluating dietary personnel as assigned.
• Address and resolve concerns related to food services from patients, staff, and visitors in a professional manner.
• Maintain required documentation, including food temperatures, sanitation logs, inventory records, and inspection reports.
• Participate in emergency preparedness activities and facility response procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary training, food service certification, or related education preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of commercial food service or institutional cooking experience required.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, or hospitality environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of food preparation techniques, sanitation standards, and kitchen operations.

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions, food allergies, and nutritional requirements preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and humid kitchen environments.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.

Working Conditions: The Lead Cook works primarily in a commercial kitchen environment and may be exposed to heat, steam, cleaning chemicals, sharp objects, and varying temperatures. Flexible scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be required based on operational needs.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.