Lead Cook

We are seeking a Cook to join our community committed to delivering outstanding food to our residents. As a Cook, you will play an important role in all phases of food preparation that meets or exceeds Buckner quality, service, and hospitality standards. Join our team and inspire happiness in the lives of others! 

What you'll do:

• Leads line cooks.
• Meal preparation.
• Examines all plates to be served to ensure they meet the quality standards established by the executive Chef.
• Lead Cook is expected to review and inspect the cleaning done by the culinary team.
• Provide training and coaching other cooks.
• Oversee food handling and preparation throughout kitchen.
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• Stock and maintain all food stations, ensuring hygienic workspaces.
• Answer guest questions about menu and preparation.
• Prepare food items using BSL’s standardized recipes and ensure that all food meets quality and service standards.
• Prepare steaks and fish at proper temperatures per customer request.
• Supervise food preparation operations while maintaining accuracy, quality, and presentation standards.
• Prepare meals utilizing scratch cooking techniques, including prep, line cooking, recipe execution, and ingredient management.
• Prepare meals based on menu requirements. Review menus and select appropriate ingredients and supplies in order to prepare for cooking meals, including selecting the appropriate amount of food for daily menus. Obtain necessary supplies from storage areas in adequate time for meal production.
• Monitor quality of food items during production for taste, smell, appearance, and temperature.
• Maintain meal count and documentation records in accordance with standards as required. Monitor for overproduction and recommend effective and appropriate utilization of leftovers.
• Plan cooking schedules in conjunction with the Food Service Director. Ensure food readiness at meal times in accordance with cooking and serving schedules. Monitor and evaluate staff and coordinate break schedules. 
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• Prepare food for special diets as requested. Prepare all food for therapeutic diets as directed by the Dietary Manager and healthcare requirements.
• Clean refrigerators and freezers; wash pots and other cooking equipment and utensils as required.
• Mop, sweep and clean work area; keep work area clean and sanitary at all times.
• Maintain compliance with all Buckner policies, procedures and requirements. Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements and state and federal requirements.
• Work successfully as part of a team and responsible for developing then maintaining strong working relationships with co-workers.
• Assist in the orientation and training of all food production employees as required.
• Attend staff meetings and training as required; participate in in-service training, including proper utilization of all equipment used in food service production and proper sanitation guidelines.
• Perform general office tasks as required.
• Perform special assignments, projects, and other duties as required.

 What you’ll bring:

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum 2 years prior restaurant cooking or other related experience required.
• Requires 2 years of strong scratch cooking experience, including preparation of sauces, stocks, soups, dressings, beef, poultry, fish and daily menu items using fresh ingredients.
• 1 year of prior supervisor experience preferred.
• Requires knowledge of food preparation, ingredients, recipes, and equipment used for dining facilities serving a minimum of 100 individuals.
• Requires knowledge of and ability to learn food serving, cleanliness and sanitation requirements.
• Requires ability to understand and follow basic written and oral step-by-step instructions.
• Requires proficient ability to speak, read and write English; ability to understand business documents which are written in English.
• Requires ability to communicate verbally in English with residents, families, visitors, co-workers, and others; ability to make self clearly understood by others in face-to-face interactions.
• Requires ability to use up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or 20 pounds continuously to move food service and preparation equipment and other objects.
• Requires ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time; ability to turn, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, stand and walk over 75% of shift.

 The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job. 

The same way we treat our employees is how we treat all applicants – with respect. Buckner is an equal opportunity employer (EEO is the law). You will be treated fairly throughout our recruiting process and without regard to race, color, religion, ​age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status in consideration for a career at Buckner.