Founding First Cook - Masterful Wellness Kitchen

Yora Nordic Spa; Portland (CT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Benefits

Employee wellness privileges

Bistro and retail discounts

Learning and development opportunities

Paid sick leave and time off

Job summary

Yora Nordic Spa in Portland, CT is assembling its founding kitchen team to welcome guests with masterful nourishment starting in November 2026. The First Cook role is part-time and hands-on, demanding craftsmanship, leadership by example and strong food-safety discipline.

You will work closely with the Kitchen Manager and Bistro team to ensure high-quality output, accuracy of recipes, and optimal service during pre-opening and opening phases.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success as an experienced, consistently high-performing cook in a commercial kitchen.
• Advanced knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation and kitchen operations.
• Ability to execute standardized recipes with precision and consistency.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, temperature control and allergen procedures.
• Attention to detail, organization and quality.
• Ability to maintain composure during high-volume service.
• Willingness to share knowledge and support developing cooks.
• Formal culinary training or equivalent practical experience; food-safety certification where applicable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food consistently according to approved recipes, methods, portions and presentation standards.
• Protect food quality and correct concerns before reaching the guest.
• Complete preparation and production accurately and on time.
• Support dietary requirements and allergen procedures with accuracy and care.
• Maintain proper storage, labeling, rotation, temperature control and sanitation.
• Keep workstations clean, organized, stocked and safe.
• Support kitchen flow and timely service.
• Identify and communicate quality, production, equipment and food-safety concerns.
• Maintain composure and professionalism during high-volume prep and service.
• Serve as a technical resource and demonstrate correct culinary techniques.
• Share knowledge with new cooks and help develop talent without formal authority.
• Collaborate with Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef and Bistro team for seamless service.
• Follow recipe yields and minimize waste; handle ingredients and equipment responsibly.

Skills

Experienced cook

Culinary techniques

Recipe execution

Food safety & allergens

Attention to detail

Teamwork & communication

Mentoring cooks

Formal culinary training

Education

Culinary training or equivalent

Job description

Yora Nordic Spa in Portland, CT is assembling its founding kitchen team to welcome guests with masterful nourishment starting in November 2026. The First Cook role is part-time and hands-on, demanding craftsmanship, leadership by example and strong food-safety discipline.

You will work closely with the Kitchen Manager and Bistro team to ensure high-quality output, accuracy of recipes, and optimal service during pre-opening and opening phases.