AM Lead Prep Cook - Hotel Ivy

Summary: The Lead Prep Cook is responsible for overseeing daily food preparation activities to ensure that all ingredients and components required for service are prepared accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with the restaurant’s culinary standards and food safety guidelines. This role supports the Chef and kitchen leadership team by coordinating prep tasks, maintaining organization in the prep areas, and ensuring consistency in product quality and kitchen operations.

This position requires early-morning availability to ensure all ingredients and menu components are properly prepared before
service. The Lead Prep Cook serves as a key resource for the prep team, providing guidance, training, and support while ensuring that all preparation tasks are completed on time and to specification

Responsibilities:

• Prepare ingredients and recipe components according to established recipes, specifications, and quality standards.
• Ensure all food items are properly cleaned, cut, portioned, marinated, and stored for service.
• Execute high-volume prep tasks while maintaining consistency and attention to detail.
• Monitor product quality, freshness, and proper labeling of all prepared ingredients.
• Maintain proper rotation of products using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
• Assist in preparation of stocks, sauces, dressings, and other base components as required
• Provide day-to-day guidance and direction to prep cooks.
• Assign and coordinate prep tasks to ensure efficient workflow and completion of all required items prior to service.
• Train new prep staff on recipes, knife skills, food handling, and kitchen procedures.
• Communicate clearly with chefs and line cooks regarding prep levels, shortages, and production needs.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and organized work environment.
• Ensure compliance with all Department of Health regulations and the restaurant’s food safety policies.
• Maintain strict adherence to proper food storage, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature control.
• Ensure all prepared items are labeled, dated, and stored properly.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of prep stations, storage areas, and kitchen equipment.
• Monitor and enforce sanitation practices among prep staff.
• Monitor prep inventory and communicate ingredient shortages to kitchen leadership.
• Assist with receiving and inspecting deliveries to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Organize walk-ins, dry storage, and prep areas for efficiency and accessibility.
• Minimize food waste by ensuring proper portioning, storage, and utilization of ingredients.
• Work closely with the Chef and kitchen management to plan prep lists based on projected service needs.
• Assist with menu preparation and special events as required.
• Ensure all prep tasks are completed before service begins.
• Support line cooks during service if additional assistance is needed.

Must-Haves

• 2 years of kitchen or food preparation experience, preferably in a hotel restaurant.
• Prior experience in a prep cook or supervisory kitchen role preferred.
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of basic culinary techniques.
• Solid understanding of food safety, sanitation, and cross-contamination prevention.
• Ability to follow recipes and preparation standards precisely.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with kitchen staff.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Early morning availability required. 

Employment Transparency

It is the Company’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources.