POSITION SUMMARY
We are looking for that special chef who possesses exemplary culinary skills, compassion and is reliable and collaborative. The Lead Cook (LC) is responsible for preparing high-quality and nutritious meals in accordance with our program guidelines. This position will work with the culinary team and our amazing volunteers daily, helping to ensure adherence to all food and warehouse safety requirements, as well as assisting with catering and disaster relief when necessary. This position must have strong inventory, organizational and daily record-keeping skills.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Meet daily with the Food Production Manager to discuss daily activities
- Assist in food production schedule and volunteer coordination
- Ensure the production of a high volume of healthy. flavorful and fresh meals daily, in accordance with program guidelines.
- Receive and store product from vendors and maintain par inventory
- Ensure the proper sanitation and maintenance of the kitchen, equipment, and storage spaces.
- Manage the training and oversight of kitchen volunteers and standards.
- Ensure the highest food safety and sanitation standards are met and always followed.
- Maintain a positive and engaging work environment.
- Assist the culinary team with day-to-day operations and in all areas connected to food production and kitchen, including catering and hurricane relief.
- Assist with other duties as assigned by management.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Requires a minimum of 5 years in high volume meal production, handling, storage, receiving and inventory kitchen experience.
- Ability to assess proper cooking yields and execute portion control while reducing waste and converting recipes to larger batches.
- Must have a good working knowledge of standard kitchen equipment, tools, techniques, and safe operating procedures of large-scale food service and distribution operations.
- Experience preferred cooking for children’s and senior program(s) using CN and PFS labels and menus or willingness to learn.
- Ability to maintain kitchen safety and sanitation protocols.
- Must be consistently reliable and able to work in a deadline-oriented environment.
- Sensitivity to diverse populations with sound judgment and the ability to serve people in a compassionate, patient, friendly, and courteous manner, showing sincere interest in people’s concerns.
- Must have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to speak publicly and teach others.
- Must have a positive attitude, flexibility, and a good sense of humor.
- Commitment to the service of others while fully supporting the organization’s mission and values.
- Access to reliable transportation to ensure daily attendance at work.
