Chef, Full-time Day

Watertown Regional Medical Center; Watertown (WI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Watertown Regional Medical Center in southeastern Wisconsin seeks a skilled hospital kitchen leader to oversee meal preparation for patients, staff and guests. You will direct kitchen staff, plan menus, ensure safety and quality, and maintain compliance with dietary and regulatory standards.

Ideal candidates have a culinary background, ServSafe certification, and at least 2 years of large-quantity cooking experience in a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Culinary training or certification preferred.
• ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification preferred or required per facility policy.
• Minimum 2 years of large-quantity food preparation and cooking on demand required.
• Experience following recipes, organizing prep work, and maintaining sanitation required.

Responsibilities

• Oversees production of meals for patients, staff, and guests.
• Ensures meals meet dietary and production standards.
• Directs kitchen staff and coordinates prep schedules.
• Maintains HACCP standards and required documentation.
• Monitors inventory and orders supplies as needed.
• Ensures sanitation standards and cleaning schedules are followed.
• Provides on-the-job training to cooks and staff.
• Supports quality improvement and efficiency initiatives.
• Assists in departmental budget management to minimize waste.
• Fosters positive cross-department collaboration.

Skills

Food safety

Staff leadership

Meal planning

Dietary knowledge

Critical thinking

Education

High School Diploma

Culinary training

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

Description

Be part of Watertown Regional Medical Center, an acute-care hospital in southeastern Wisconsin that consistently earns national awards for its high-quality care from the likes of Becker's Hospital Review, Chartis, Healthgrades, The Leapfrog Group, and parent company ScionHealth. Watertown Regional's exceptional care across multiple specialty services is also reflected in its numerous accreditations and certifications. Join our team and grow your career in a hospital where everyday excellence meets or exceeds expectations.

Job Summary

The Chef oversees and participates in the preparation of meals for patients, employees, and guests, ensuring nutritional quality, presentation, and compliance with safety standards. This position plans menus, directs kitchen staff, maintains cleanliness and organization, and ensures adherence to recipes, schedules, and regulatory standards.

Essential Functions

• Oversees production of hot and cold meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special functions.
• Ensures proper preparation and portioning of meals according to dietary and production standards.
• Leads kitchen staff and coordinates food prep schedules to ensure meal readiness.
• Maintains food safety by following HACCP standards and completing required documentation.
• Monitors inventory levels and orders food and supplies from stockroom or vendors as needed.
• Follows cleaning schedules and ensures all kitchen equipment and surfaces meet sanitation standards.
• Provides on-the-job training and guidance to cooks and kitchen staff.
• Promotes quality improvement and participates in process efficiency initiatives.
• Participates in departmental budget management by minimizing waste and maximizing product usage.
• Fosters positive working relationships across departments to ensure quality service delivery.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Strong understanding of food preparation techniques, portion control, and safety standards
• Ability to lead, motivate, and train kitchen staff
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and modified diets
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with minimal supervision
• Constant standing, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, and lifting up to 75 lbs
• Frequent use of hands and arms in repetitive motions; occasional kneeling and climbing
• Exposure to temperature changes, biohazards, cleaning chemicals, and kitchen equipment
• Commercial kitchen within a hospital or healthcare setting
• Regular exposure to hot surfaces, sharp tools, and cleaning agents
• Must adhere to infection control and safety policies at all times

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED (Required)
• Culinary training or certification (Preferred)

Licenses/Certifications

• ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification (Preferred or required depending on facility policy)

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of large-quantity food preparation and cooking on demand (Required)
• Prior experience following recipes, organizing prep work, and maintaining sanitation (Required)