Lead Cook

The Inn on Boltwood; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage (80%+)

401K plan

Paid holidays and PTO

Earned wage access

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Olympia Hospitality is seeking a Lead Cook to prepare high-quality meals in line with our standards and production schedules. You will guide kitchen staff, delegate tasks, and ensure adherence to SOPs and safety protocols.

The role requires leadership, quick learning, and strong communication with the team. We value health and wellness for our staff and offer a supportive environment with opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, and a collaborative team culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years grill experience and leadership experience.
• Experience receiving orders and inventory control helpful.

Responsibilities

• Lead cook responsible for high-quality meal prep per standards and production schedules.
• Direct work of kitchen staff, delegate tasks, and train team members.
• Follow SOPs, production logs, inventories, and health/safety programs per regulations.
• Maintain health and food safety program at all times.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Basic computer skills

Mentoring/teaching

Customer service

Effective communication

Follow instructions

Attention to detail

Work under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary Arts education (preferred)

Serve-Safe Certification (preferred)

Allergy Awareness Training (preferred)

Tools

Knife skills

Grill

Broiler

Sauté

Expediter

Garde manger experience

Job description

We’re more than just a team – we’re a community dedicated to making a difference every day.

At Olympia Hospitality, we create a fun, supportive environment where growth never stops, and success is celebrated together. Guided by our values of continuous improvement, accountability, concern for others, and trust, we foster a culture of collaboration and integrity. If you’re passionate, driven, and ready to thrive, we’d love to have you on our team.

The Lead Cook is responsible for the preparation of high quality meals in accordance with company standards, menu specifications and production schedules set forth by the Executive Chef. The employee may direct the work of other kitchen staff, delegating tasks and instructing them in the preparation/production of all meal periods. As directed by the Executive Chef, this position must follow standard operating procedures, kitchen systems including: preparation logs, inventories, product usage. The employee is responsible for maintaining and adhering to the health and food safety program at all times per state and federal regulation.

Join a Team that Puts Your Well-Being First!

At Olympia Hospitality, we believe in supporting our employees both in and out of the workplace. When you join us, you’re not just getting a job – you’re joining a family-first organization that cares about your health and wellness, your future, and your overall satisfaction.

Here’s how we show our commitment:

• Health Coverage That Works for You: We contribute up to 80% toward individual health plans and offer affordable dental and vision insurance. Plus, with FSA and HSA options, you can plan for your healthcare costs your way.
• Secure Your Future: With our 401K plan and discretionary yearly match, you can build the financial future you deserve.
• Peace of Mind: We provide paid group term life insurance for select positions, 50% shared cost short-term disability, and you have the option to purchase additional employee paid life insurance.
• Time for You: Enjoy our robust PTO plan and 7 paid holidays to maintain work-life balance. Need quick access to your paycheck? Our earned wage access program has you covered!
• Additional Support: From our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to a sober support network, and our commitment to being a recovery-friendly workplace, we're here to help you thrive personally and professionally.
• Perks: Love to travel? Enjoy exclusive hotel travel discounts as a member of our team. Additional benefits may be available based on property specific locations!

We’re more than just a business—we’re a values-driven organization that believes in creating an environment where every team member can thrive. Our core values guide everything we do, from how we interact with each other to how we serve our guests and community. Join us at Olympia Hospitality and take the next step toward a fulfilling, balanced, and supported career.

Skills Required

Leadership, problem-solving, and basic computer skills; ability to share knowledge and teach others to perform tasks, high level customer service, effective communication with guests and team members, able to follow instructions, learn quickly, pay attention to detail, and maintain composure when working under pressure

Technical Skills:

• Demonstrates creativity
• Knowledge and understanding of safe use and operation of production kitchen equipment
• Knife skills, grill, broiler, sauté and Expediter skills; garde manger experience
• Speed in meal production while ensuring high quality food

Experience / Education:

Minimum 2 years’ grill experience; experience leading and directing the work of others helpful; experience with receiving orders and inventory control helpful; high school diploma and/or equivalent work experience; Culinary Arts education preferred; Serve-Safe Certification and Allergy Awareness Training preferred

Olympia Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to qualified applicants without regard to such characteristics as race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable law.