Creative Cook: Elevate Menu & Guest Experience

The-Olympia-Companies-1; Gorham (NH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Olympia Companies are hiring a professional cook to safely and efficiently prepare and cook menu items in a fast-paced environment in Gorham, New Hampshire. You will follow established recipes, maintain portion control, and ensure food safety standards are met to deliver consistent quality.

Join a team that values health, safety, and teamwork, with opportunities for growth and a supportive, family-like culture.

Qualifications

• Provide high-level customer service, communicate effectively with guests and team members, follow instructions, ability to learn quickly, pay attention to detail, and maintain composure when working under pressure.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a culinary role; high school diploma or equivalent; Culinary Arts education preferred; Serve-Safe Certification and Allergy Awareness Training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items in accordance with established recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards, ensuring consistency and adherence to food safety guidelines.
• Follow proper cooking techniques and methods, including grilling, frying, roasting, baking, and sautéing, to achieve desired flavors, textures, and appearances.
• Monitor food temperatures, cooking times, and ingredient quantities to prevent waste and ensure that food is cooked and served at optimal quality.
• Collaborate with the culinary team and management to develop and refine menu items, specials, and promotions that appeal to guests’ preferences and dietary needs.
• Experiment with new ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques to create innovative and unique dishes that showcase the restaurant’s culinary expertise and creativity.
• Stay informed about culinary trends, industry developments, and seasonal ingredients, and incorporate these insights into menu planning and execution.
• Maintain a clean, sanitized, and orderly kitchen environment at all times, including workstations, equipment, utensils, and storage areas, in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Assist with inventory management, including receiving, storing, and rotating ingredients and supplies, and conducting regular stock checks to ensure adequate levels for production.
• Follow proper food handling and storage procedures to minimize the risk of contamination, spoilage, and foodborne illness, and ensure that all kitchen equipment is maintained and operated safely.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff, servers, and management to coordinate food preparation, cooking times, and service priorities, and ensure smooth operations during peak hours.
• Support and assist colleagues as needed, including dishwashing, food plating, and garnishing, to maintain efficient workflow and meet service deadlines.

Skills

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Culinary Arts education

Serve-Safe Certification

Allergy Awareness Training

Tools

Knife skills

Expediter skills

Garde manger experience

Kitchen equipment safety

Job description

The Olympia Companies are hiring a professional cook to safely and efficiently prepare and cook menu items in a fast-paced environment in Gorham, New Hampshire. You will follow established recipes, maintain portion control, and ensure food safety standards are met to deliver consistent quality.

Join a team that values health, safety, and teamwork, with opportunities for growth and a supportive, family-like culture.