Head Cook

The Salvation Army; Newark (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Newark, OH is seeking an Assembly/Lead Cook to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals across soup kitchen, pantry, and shelter programs. You will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, maintain inventories, and guide volunteers to ensure safe, compliant food service.

Responsibilities include supervising the Assistant Cook, maintaining sanitation, coordinating food distribution, and upholding all safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in a commercial/high-volume food service environment preferred.
• Current ServSafe Manager certification required or obtainable within timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and serve balanced meals with safety in mind.
• Maintain sanitary kitchen, storage areas, and serving spaces.
• Manage food and supply inventories; coordinate approved ordering and pickups.
• Supervise Assistant Cook and volunteers; provide directions as needed.
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, and safety procedures.
• Support food distribution programs and interact professionally with clients and staff.
• Complete required training and comply with Salvation Army policies.

Skills

Food safety

Inventory management

Leadership

Sanitation

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

ServSafe Manager certification

Tools

Pantry tracking system

Inventory software

Job description

Overview

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals for Soup Kitchen, pantry, shelter, and other food service programs. Maintains safe and sanitary kitchen operations, manages food and supply inventory, supports food distribution activities, and provides day-to-day directions to the Assistant Cook and food service volunteers in accordance with applicable food safety requirements and The Salvation Army standards.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

• Plan, prepare, and serve balanced meals in accordance with established menus, food safety standards, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, organized, and secure kitchen, serving area, food storage areas, and related workspaces.
• Maintain food, paper goods, and kitchen supply inventories; identify supply needs and coordinate approved ordering and food bank pickups.
• Coordinate weekly food pantry service and maintain accurate food service and pantry statistics and records.
• Supervise and provide work directions to the Assistant Cook, volunteers, and shelter residents assigned to food-service preparation and cleanup.
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, sanitation, and safety procedures are consistently followed.
• Support food distribution programs and interact professionally and compassionately with clients, residents, volunteers, and staff.
• Participate in required training and comply with The Salvation Army policies, procedures, and food-service requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Corps Officer

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Assistant Cook and food service volunteers (kitchen, shelter, and pantry)

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in a commercial, institutional, or high-volume food service environment required; experience preparing meals for large groups preferred.
• Current ServSafe Manager certification required, or ability to obtain within the timeframe established by The Salvation Army.
• Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, storage, and kitchen safety practices.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, menus, food labels, safety instructions, and food service procedures.
• Ability to plan and organize meal preparation and complete assignments within established service schedules.
• Ability to work independently, accept direction, prioritize responsibilities, and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with employees, volunteers, shelter residents, program participants, and administrative staff.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain driving privileges in accordance with The Salvation Army guidelines.
• Ability to meet The Salvation Army requirements for operating applicable vehicles when driving is assigned.
• Must be dependable and maintain regular and punctual attendance.

SPECIAL SKILLS, CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS.

• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, kitchen equipment, and safe food handling practices.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use required pantry tracking, inventory, email, and related systems.
• Effective communication, organization, time-management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and address difficult situations professionally and compassionately.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed primarily in kitchen, pantry, dining, storage, and food service environments and requires prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Regularly requires bending, reaching, stooping, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling food, supplies, equipment, and other materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Work may involve exposure to hot and cold temperatures, kitchen equipment, cleaning and sanitizing products, and refrigerated or freezer storage areas.
• Local driving and occasional outdoor work may be required for food pickups, deliveries, pantry operations, or other assigned responsibilities.

Salvation Army Mission Statement The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add, revise, or delete information in this description. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Acceptable job performance includes the completion of the job responsibilities as well as compliance with the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of The Salvation Army.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.