Kitchen 2nd: Lead Cook & Menu Innovator

PAQ, Inc; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Life insurance

Stock ownership 401(k)

Growth opportunities

Job summary

PAQ, Inc. is seeking a Kitchen 2nd to support the Kitchen Lead in preparing and cooking high-quality dishes, supervising staff, and maintaining efficient kitchen operations. The role emphasizes menu development, food safety, and mentoring junior cooks.

The ideal candidate has strong culinary skills, leadership, and experience managing inventory and costs, with a commitment to sanitation and high standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent. A culinary school diploma is a plus.
• Experience: Over five years of experience as a Cook is preferred. Previous supervisory experience is a plus.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing and cooking a variety of complex and high-quality dishes.
• Supports the planning, innovating, and implementing of menu development, considering guest numbers, market conditions, dish popularity, and menu recency.
• Assist in estimating food needs, procuring supplies, and managing kitchen inventory.
• Review recipes and menus to assign prices and control food, labor, and overhead costs.
• Implements food apportionment policies for cost control.
• Manage and coach kitchen staff, ensuring high standards of performance and professionalism.
• Ensure efficient and timely food production by monitoring food preparation methods, portion sizes, and garnishing for adherence to standards.
• Conduct tastings and smell tests to ensure food quality.
• Ensure quality standards by following the FIFO (First In, First Out) methodology.
• Support high nutrition standards and strict sanitation and food safety guidelines to maintain a clean and hygienic cooking and eating environment.
• Mentor new cooks and support apprenticeship training.

Skills

Culinary skills

Leadership

Team management

Inventory management

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary school diploma (plus)

Job description

PAQ, Inc. is seeking a Kitchen 2nd to support the Kitchen Lead in preparing and cooking high-quality dishes, supervising staff, and maintaining efficient kitchen operations. The role emphasizes menu development, food safety, and mentoring junior cooks.

The ideal candidate has strong culinary skills, leadership, and experience managing inventory and costs, with a commitment to sanitation and high standards in a fast-paced environment.