Lead Cook

The-Olympia-Companies-1; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K with match

Paid holidays

Earned wage access

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Sober support network

Recovery-friendly workplace

Exclusive hotel travel discounts

Job summary

Olympia Hospitality in Massachusetts is seeking a Lead Cook to prepare high quality meals per menu and production schedules set by the Executive Chef, with responsibility to guide kitchen staff and ensure timely service.

You will follow SOPs, maintain prep logs, monitor inventories, and uphold health and food safety programs in compliance with state and federal regulations. We’re a community-first, values-driven workplace focused on growth and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 2+ years grill experience.
• Experience leading and directing the work of others helpful.
• Culinary Arts education preferred; Serve-Safe Certification and Allergy Awareness Training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality meals per standards and menus.
• Direct and supervise kitchen staff; delegate tasks.
• Follow SOPs, logs, and inventories.
• Maintain health and food safety compliance at all times.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Teaching others

Follow instructions

Learn quickly

Working under pressure

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary Arts education preferred

Serve-Safe Certification

Allergy Awareness Training preferred

Tools

Production kitchen equipment

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.