Cook 4

Santa Monica Proper; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Monica Proper is seeking an experienced Cook to join their culinary team in Santa Monica. The role involves preparing high-quality menu items, maintaining kitchen organization, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Candidates should have at least 1 year of experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment and possess a culinary training certification.

The position demands strong organizational skills, flexibility in working hours, and effective communication with guests and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Cook in a fast‑paced kitchen environment.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare all menu items according to approved recipes and production schedules.
• Ensure all kitchen work areas are stocked with required tools and supplies.
• Maintain strict compliance with State health regulations and food safety standards.

Skills

Food preparation

Organizational skills

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Certification of culinary training

Valid food handling certificate

Job description

The Cook 4 preps, sets up and provides quality service in all areas of food production for menu items and specials in the designated outlets in accordance with standards and plating guide specifications. The cook maintains organization, cleanliness and sanitation of work areas and equipment.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Food Preparation & Production:
  • Prepare all menu items according to approved recipes, yield guides, and production schedules.
  • Cut, fabricate, dice, mince, chop, and portion meats, fish, fowl, vegetables, fruits, and other food items according to specifications.
  • Expand and condense recipes as required to meet business needs
  • Ensure all kitchen work areas are stocked with required tools, equipment, and supplies to meet operational demand
  • Maintain and update recipe cards, plating guides, production schedules, and reference photos
• Opening & Closing Duties
  • Perform opening duties including turning on specified equipment (ovens, fryers, steam tables), filling steam tables, unlocking secured areas, and securing keys.
  • Set up workstation with proper mise en place, tools, equipment, and supplies.
  • Inspect cleanliness and functionality of tools, equipment, and workstations.
  • Break down workstation at the end of shift, ensuring all food items are properly stored, labeled, dated, rotated, and secured.
  • Turn off equipment not required for the next shift and restock depleted items.
• Sanitation, Safety & Compliance
  • Maintain strict compliance with State health regulations, food safety standards, and Hotel sanitation requirements.
  • Disinfect and sanitize cutting boards, worktables, and prep surfaces regularly.
  • Maintain proper food storage, labeling, dating, and rotation procedures (FIFO).
  • Maintain complete knowledge of proper equipment usage and ensure equipment is used only as intended.
  • Transport dirty pots, pans, and utensils to designated wash stations.
• Guest Experience & Service Standards
  • Anticipate guest needs and respond promptly, courteously, and professionally at all times.
  • Maintain positive and personalized guest relations, tailoring interactions based on guest preferences when applicable.
  • Proactively resolve guest concerns in collaboration with leadership to ensure guest satisfaction.
  • Maintain familiarity with all Hotel services, features, and local attractions to accurately respond to guest inquiries.
• Meet with the Head Cook or Sous Chef to review assignments, anticipated business levels, and operational updates.
• Attend pre‑shift briefings and provide operational feedback when appropriate.
• Assist other kitchen areas and departments as needed to ensure optimal guest service.
• Collaborate cross‑departmentally while demonstrating the Proper Ethos with colleagues and guests.

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Cook in a fast‑paced kitchen environment
• Certification of culinary training.
• Valid food handling certificate.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written).
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Ability to read, write, and communicate legibly.
• Working knowledge of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and kitchen procedures.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Attention to detail, speed, and accuracy in food preparation.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong teamwork and cross‑departmental collaboration skills.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and move continuously for extended periods of time.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical motions including bending, twisting, stooping, reaching overhead and below the knees.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to endure varying physical movements throughout kitchen and hotel work areas.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, management, and colleagues.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Proper Hospitality is an equal‑opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state‑protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.