Lead Cook

PONZU LLC; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Job summary

PONZU LLC is seeking a dynamic Lead Cook to oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring top quality, safety, and service. You will inspire a culinary team to deliver memorable dining experiences across settings, including fine dining environments.

In this senior role, you will manage menu planning, food production processes, and innovative cuisine while maintaining meticulous quality and presentation. This paid position offers growth opportunities within our culinary team.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in busy kitchens and ability to manage a culinary team.
• Experience developing menus that meet dietary guidelines and customer preferences.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Excellent knife skills and proficiency with common kitchen equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise kitchen staff to ensure efficient food preparation and service delivery in high-volume settings.
• Develop and implement creative menus that meet nutritional guidelines and customer preferences, incorporating dietary considerations.
• Oversee all aspects of food safety, sanitation, and sanitizing procedures to maintain compliance with health regulations.
• Manage food production processes, and cooking techniques, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely and effectively while adhering to food handling standards.
• Train team members on knife skills, recipe adherence, food safety management, and proper food handling procedures.
• Coordinate meal preparation for restaurant service while maintaining high standards of presentation and taste.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu planning

Food safety

Knife skills

High-volume service

Team training

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Cook to join our culinary team! In this pivotal role, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and service. Your leadership will inspire a team of culinary professionals to deliver exceptional dining experiences across various settings, including fine dining environments. This position offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise, manage food production processes, and elevate our culinary offerings through innovative menu planning and meticulous food preparation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise kitchen staff to ensure efficient food preparation and service delivery in high-volume settings.
• Develop and implement creative menus that meet nutritional guidelines and customer preferences, incorporating dietary considerations.
• Oversee all aspects of food safety, sanitation, and sanitizing procedures to maintain compliance with health regulations.
• Manage food production processes, and cooking techniques, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely and effectively while adhering to food handling standards.
• Train team members on knife skills, recipe adherence, food safety management, and proper food handling procedures.
• Coordinate meal preparation for restaurant service while maintaining high standards of presentation and taste.

Skills

• Extensive dietary aide experience with a strong understanding of dietary department operations.
• Proven expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and culinary techniques such as poaching, braising, grilling, and food industry best practices.
• Experience working in fine dining or high-volume restaurant environments with a focus on food safety sanitizing procedures.
• Skilled in operating various kitchen equipment safely and efficiently; excellent knife skills are essential.
• Strong background in food production, cooking, catering experience, and serving large groups or events.
• Knowledge of food safety management systems and adherence to recipe standards for consistent meal quality.
• Ability to lead a team effectively while fostering a positive work environment focused on excellence in food service.

Join us as a Lead Cook to bring your culinary talents to life! We value energetic professionals who are passionate about food industry excellence and eager to lead by example in delivering memorable dining experiences. This paid position offers the chance to grow your culinary career while making a meaningful impact on our guests’ satisfaction through innovative cuisine and exceptional service.