Floating Lead School Cook — Lead & Serve Students

Whitsons Culinary Group; Gardner (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401K with company match

Paid time off and holidays

A welcoming, supportive team

Job summary

Whitsons Culinary Group in Gardner, MA is seeking a Floating Lead Cook to join our school nutrition team. This full-time role involves leading meal prep, coordinating kitchen operations, and guiding staff across multiple schools in a Monday–Friday schedule with no nights or weekends.

You will ensure safety, quality, and timely service while maintaining records, managing orders, and upholding HACCP standards. Competitive pay and benefits support ongoing professional growth.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of professional culinary or food service experience.
• Must have ServSafe certification or be willing to obtain it.
• Proficient in English (read and speak) for recipes and safety.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and service of meals according to daily school menus and portion guidelines.
• Organize kitchen operations, ensuring food is safely cooked, beautifully presented, and ready on time.
• Support and guide team members in maintaining a clean, efficient, and friendly kitchen environment.
• Oversee food orders, inventory, and deliveries to keep everything running smoothly.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, sanitation protocols, and allergy accommodations.
• Keep accurate records including production sheets and temperature logs.

Skills

Culinary skills

Food safety & HACCP

Time management

Team leadership

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ServSafe certification

Job description

Whitsons Culinary Group in Gardner, MA is seeking a Floating Lead Cook to join our school nutrition team. This full-time role involves leading meal prep, coordinating kitchen operations, and guiding staff across multiple schools in a Monday–Friday schedule with no nights or weekends.

You will ensure safety, quality, and timely service while maintaining records, managing orders, and upholding HACCP standards. Competitive pay and benefits support ongoing professional growth.