Cook

Shelby American, Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a dedicated Swing Cook to oversee meal preparation and shipping, including participation in planning and production for catering events. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food service operations, show strong leadership and organizational skills, and have a passion for serving diverse communities while ensuring food quality and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of food service experience in institutional cooking or catering.
• ServeSafe/Sanitation Certification preferred.
• Experience shipping meals in different quantities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure meals are prepared and shipped according to specifications.
• Participate in planning, preparation, and service of meals.
• Direct kitchen associates and meet production and service goals in manager's absence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Culinary arts degree

Diploma in food service management

Job description

Description

This position is primarily responsible for ensuring that all meals are prepared and shipped in accordance with the specifications, standards, and practices of the department. In addition to shipping meals, this position involves the preparation, production, setup, and service. Occasionally, the Swing Cook may be called upon to work on foods for catered events.

This individual is involved in the production of breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and catered events and functions. The Swing Cook is expected to participate in planning, preparation, portioning, and packaging of all foods on scheduled days. This position works closely with all food service personnel, the Food Services Training Program (FSTP) students, and volunteers.

In the absence of a manager, the cook may be responsible for directing kitchen associates, students, and drivers on duty, ensuring that production, service, and delivery goals are met.

Requirements

Education/Training:

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED

Preferred:

• A culinary arts degree and/or a diploma in food service management
• At least one (1) year of banquet and catering setup experience
• ServeSafe/Sanitation Certification

Knowledge/Experience:

Required:

• Experience shipping meals to various sites in different quantities and varieties
• Minimum of three (3) years of food service experience in institutional cooking, catering, kitchen, or food service operations

We seek an individual who is punctual, compassionate, professional, and shows initiative. Important qualities include flexibility, attention to safety, focus on job quality and continuous improvement, tolerance, and a commitment to teamwork and department unity.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a human service environment serving the homeless community and individuals with substance abuse issues
• Knowledge in menu and food production planning, nutrition, and special diets

Physical Abilities/Skills:

Required:

• Ability to stand for long periods
• Ability to lift at least fifty pounds, bend, stoop, and access walk-in refrigerators and freezers for extended periods
• The Swing Cook II spends most of their time working directly with staff in food service operations, often preparing large volumes of food, sometimes as many as 1,200 meals.

Mental Abilities/Skills:

Required:

• Strong leadership, verbal, and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a stressful and demanding environment, work under pressure, set timelines, and meet deadlines
• Ability to coordinate the efforts of support staff, manage materials, and ensure quality of finished products