Lead Cook

The Heartwood at Vassar; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (varies by location)

Job summary

Olympia Hospitality is hiring a Lead Cook to prepare high-quality meals according to our standards, menus, and schedules. You may supervise other kitchen staff, delegating tasks and guiding production while following SOPs and health and safety programs.

The role requires at least 2 years of grill experience, a high school diploma (culinary education preferred), and Serve-Safe and allergy training as preferred qualifications. We offer a community-focused workplace with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Leadership and organizational abilities in a kitchen setting.
• Experience with maintaining production logs and inventories.
• Serve-Safe certification and allergy awareness training are preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary education is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality meals per standards, menus, and schedules.
• Direct and coach kitchen staff as directed by the Executive Chef.
• Follow SOPs, kitchen systems, logs, and inventories.
• Maintain health and food safety programs per regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Basic computer skills

High level customer service

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Staying calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary Arts education preferred

Serve-Safe Certification preferred

Allergy Awareness Training preferred

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.