Cook Lead

SUMMARY:    

The Cook Lead oversees the culinary preparation, production, and delivery of high-quality meals for clients as assigned. This role ensures consistency, creativity, and adherence to safety and quality standards in all aspects of kitchen operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversee and mentor the work of cooks and kitchen support staff, ensuring upscale meals are prepared accurately and in a timely manner
2. Design creative menu items that meet nutritional specifications and client needs
3. Prepare and cook dishes according to recipes, ensuring consistency and quality in food presentation
4. Train new hires and instruct staff on proper cooking techniques, safety protocols, and kitchen equipment
5. Ensure that the kitchen adheres to health and safety regulations, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation standards
6. Monitor inventory levels, order supplies, and ensure that necessary items are on hand
7. Read and execute Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) accurately.
8. Address issues that arise in the kitchen in a timely manner involving the appropriate resources as appropriate
9. Special projects and assignments as business dictates

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Culinary degree or certification preferred
• 4 to 6 years’ experience preparing and presenting the high-quality menu items for VIP clientele
• Demonstrated knowledge, application and adherence to food safety protocols and requirements
• Demonstrated ability in all cooking techniques: grilling, roasting, sautéing, frying, braising, poaching, and steaming.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Organized and attentive to detail
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays required

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

• • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to handle or feel.
  • The employee frequently is required to talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Fast-paced kitchen setting
• The noise level in this environment can be moderate to loud

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Culinary certification preferred
• ServSafe certification a plus

OTHER DUTIES

Please note 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                                                                                                                                                              

This company is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.