First Cook

Yora Nordic Spa | Brownstone; Portland (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Benefits

Wellness privileges

Bistro and retail discounts

Learning and development opportunities

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Yora Nordic Spa seeks a First Cook to join the founding Kitchen team, delivering masterful nourishment for guests during the pre-opening and opening period. You will craft nourishing dishes, follow recipes with precision and mentor developing cooks in a fast-paced, on-site setting.

This hands-on role emphasizes craftsmanship, food safety and teamwork as the kitchen scales for our November 2026 launch and ongoing culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven track record as an experienced cook in a commercial kitchen.
• Advanced knowledge of culinary techniques and kitchen operations.
• Ability to execute standardized recipes with precision.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation and allergen procedures.
• Attention to detail, organization and quality.
• Ability to maintain composure during high-volume service.
• Willingness to share knowledge with developing cooks.
• Strong communication and teamwork; committed to learning.
• Formal culinary training or equivalent; food-safety certification where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food consistently according to approved recipes, preparation methods, portions and presentation standards.
• Protect food quality throughout preparation and service and correct concerns before they reach the guest.
• Complete assigned preparation and production accurately and on time.
• Support dietary requirements and allergen procedures with accuracy and care.
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling, rotation, temperature control and sanitation.
• Maintain clean, organized, stocked and safe workstations.
• Support efficient kitchen flow by preparing the right product, in the right quantity, at the right time.
• Identify and communicate quality, production, equipment and food-safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain consistency, composure and professionalism during high-volume preparation and service.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource and demonstrate correct culinary techniques through personal example.
• Share knowledge, best practices and encouragement with new and developing cooks without exercising formal authority.
• Work closely with the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef and Bistro team to support timely and seamless service.
• Follow recipe yields and portion standards and minimize waste through responsible preparation and product handling.
• Treat ingredients, supplies, tools and equipment responsibly and participate fully in required training.

Skills

Experienced cook

Culinary techniques

Standardized recipes

Food safety

Attention to detail

High-volume service

Teamwork

Mentoring

Culinary training preferred

Education

Formal culinary training

Food-safety certification

Job description

Work in Wellness at the New Yora Nordic Spa

Something New Is Taking Shape
Opening in November 2026, Yora Nordic Spa is a place to pause, reconnect and experience wellbeing through nature, hydrotherapy and authentic human connection. It is a space where our team will create thoughtful and welcoming experiences that help guests reconnect with themselves, with others and with the natural world around them.

We are now building our founding team - the people who will bring Yora Nordic Spa to life and shape our culture from the very beginning. Working at Yora means working in wellness and contributing to a workplace and guest experience that are simple, inclusive, natural and social.

The Opportunity

The First Cook will be part of Yora's founding Kitchen team, helping prepare the fresh, nourishing and thoughtfully presented food that will welcome Yora Nordic Spa's first guests in November 2026. This part-time role is anticipated to start between mid- and late October 2026.

This is an experienced, hands-on culinary position for someone who leads through craftsmanship, expertise and example. The First Cook protects the quality and consistency of every dish while sharing knowledge, supporting developing cooks and helping the Kitchen deliver Masterful Nourishment throughout each guest's visit.

What You Will Do

• Prepare food consistently according to approved recipes, preparation methods, portions and presentation standards.
• Protect food quality throughout preparation and service and correct concerns before they reach the guest.
• Complete assigned preparation and production accurately and on time.
• Support dietary requirements and allergen procedures with accuracy and care.
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling, rotation, temperature control and sanitation.
• Maintain clean, organized, stocked and safe workstations.
• Support efficient kitchen flow by preparing the right product, in the right quantity, at the right time.
• Identify and communicate quality, production, equipment and food-safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain consistency, composure and professionalism during high-volume preparation and service.
• Serve as a trusted technical resource and demonstrate correct culinary techniques through personal example.
• Share knowledge, best practices and encouragement with new and developing cooks without exercising formal authority.
• Work closely with the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef and Bistro team to support timely and seamless service.
• Follow recipe yields and portion standards and minimize waste through responsible preparation and product handling.
• Treat ingredients, supplies, tools and equipment responsibly and participate fully in required training.

What You Bring

• Demonstrated success as an experienced, consistently high-performing cook in a commercial kitchen.
• Advanced knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation and kitchen operations.
• The ability to execute standardized recipes with precision and consistency.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, temperature control and allergen procedures.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization and quality.
• The ability to maintain composure and consistent execution during high-volume service.
• The willingness and credibility to share technical knowledge and support developing cooks.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Formal culinary training or equivalent practical experience is preferred; appropriate food-safety certification is required where applicable.

Schedule

This is a full-time, on-site position with shifts scheduled based on business and operational needs. Applicants must be available to work a flexible schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. Additional availability may be requested during the pre-opening and opening periods.

Benefits and Perks

As a member of Yora's founding team, you will be eligible to participate in employee benefits and perks in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. These are expected to include:

• Health & Wellness Benefits
• Employee wellness privileges and discounted experiences at Yora Nordic Spa locations.
• Bistro and retail discounts.
• Learning, growth and development opportunities within a growing wellness brand.
• Paid sick leave and other time-off benefits in accordance with applicable law and company policy.

Yora is currently finalizing its employee benefit plans. Specific coverage, eligibility requirements, employee contributions and plan terms will be shared during the recruitment process and will be governed by the applicable plan documents.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This is a physically active position performed in a fast-paced commercial kitchen. The role involves extended periods of standing and walking; frequent bending, reaching, twisting and crouching; repetitive hand and arm movements associated with food preparation; pushing and pulling kitchen equipment and supply carts; and lifting and carrying routine food products, cookware, supplies and equipment. Employees work around hot surfaces, ovens, steam, refrigeration equipment, sharp utensils, commercial kitchen equipment, cleaning products and chemicals, food allergens, noise, changing temperatures and wet or slippery surfaces. Appropriate food-safety procedures, equipment-safety practices and protective equipment must be used when required. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Reasonable Accommodation

Yora Nordic Spa provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law. To request an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact People & Culture at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

Yora Nordic Spa is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religious creed, age, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Work Here. Soak Here. Help Us Bring Yora Nordic Spa to Life.

If you are excited by the opportunity to bring culinary craftsmanship, consistency and care to Yora's founding Kitchen team, we would like to hear from you.