Lead Cook

Northern Waters Casino Resort; Michigan; On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Meal Discounts

Gas Discount at Citgo C-Store

Golf Discounts

Paid Lunch

Paid Holidays

Access to training programs

Job summary

Northern Waters Casino Resort is seeking a Lead Cook to oversee production of food and lead the kitchen team in a fast-paced casino setting. The role collaborates with the Kitchen Manager and Food & Beverage Director to maintain standards, train staff, and control quality and cost.

The ideal candidate has several years of culinary experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to safety and guest satisfaction. Evening and weekend shifts are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2+ years cooking and culinary experience.
• ServSafe certification required or willing to obtain within 90 days.
• Must pass background checks and screenings.
• 1+ year of supervisory/management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre- and post-shift meetings for BOH and FOH teams.
• Know and promote all menu items and recipes.
• Communicate clear directions to team members.
• Train, coach, and evaluate kitchen staff.
• Manage staffing levels and adjust as needed.
• Assist in catering/event preparation.
• Ensure sanitation and safety standards.
• Provide excellent guest service.

Skills

Team leadership

Cooking experience

Math and reading skills

Communication skills

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

ServSafe certification

Formal culinary education

Job description

PAY RATE: $16.00-$19.00/Hour (Non-Exempt) D.O.E

POSTED:February 23 , 2026 DEADLINE: Until Filled

The Lead Cook has the primary responsibility for overseeing and supervising production of food for the company. Mustwork closely with the Kitchen Manager and Food & Beverage Director to promote the Casino’s culture, mission, andphilosophy. Must act as a team leader and motivator for the kitchen staff, thus strong interpersonal skills and being a clearcommunicator are essential. Responsible for training, evaluating, coaching, and counseling kitchen staff to comply withcompany standards.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage pre-shift and post- shift meetings daily to gather and deliver pertinent directions to the team members on backof the house, front of the house and property activities.
• Know and promote all menu items and standardized recipes and production specifications.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to provide clear directions to the team members.
• Observe team member performance and encourage improvement.
• Monitor the level of workload and make staffing adjustments accordingly.
• Take direction from the Kitchen Manager and Food & Beverage Director to carry out all tasks per their instructions.
• Fill in for the Kitchen Manager in planning and directing food preparation when necessary.
• Administer corrective counseling actions regarding all kitchen team members job performance.
• Manage and train kitchen staff, help establish working schedules and assess staff’s performance.
• Assign day-to-day tasks for all cooks, such as prep lists, buffets layouts, and time and temperature check lists.
• Assist in planning, preparing, and executing catering and event preparation.
• Properly rotate and date all inventories and ensure the team is doing the same.
• Assist Kitchen Manager and Food & Beverage Director with menu planning and food cost analysis.
• Communicate order needs with Kitchen Manager to ensure inventory is stocked appropriately.
• Comply with and enforce sanitation regulations and safety standards.
• Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers.
• Perform as a front line, buffet cook, line cook, event cook, or cook for the Bar when needs require.
• Control all food specifications: taste, appearance, presentation, portion control and quality.
• Provide excellent guest service to guests, internal and external, through active guest engagement and positive attitude.
• All employees must be flexible and assume other responsibilities and tasks as assigned by management and asmanagement deems necessary; this means fulfilling all other job duties as assigned.
• Flexible with scheduling of shifts and willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• To remain in compliance with Casino Regulatory policies and procedures, employees are required to attendall necessary meetings and training facilitated by Management.

Skills & Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum 2+ years of experience in cooking, food preparation, and other culinary experience or a combination of trainededucation in culinary field with previous experience.
• Basic math and reading skills to accurately adhere to recipes and measurements.
• ServSafe certified or be able to be ServSafe certified within first (90) days of employment.
• Must pass background checks and other pre-employment screenings.
• 3+ years of experience in kitchen preparation and cooking.
• 1+ years in management and supervisory experience.
• 1+ year of trained culinary education.
• 1+ year of experience in a casino setting.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time – up to 90% of full shift.
• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, and lift to 40 pounds.
• Ability to adhere to high standards of personal hygiene and grooming habits.
• Ability to work in an environment with smoke and loud noise.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to thisclassification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills requiredof personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Mustbe able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and applicable background checks related to the position if required.

Preference shall be given when it is established that the applicant meets the qualifications as stated in thejob description. The following order shall be adhered to for hiring:

• Parents/Legal Guardian of LVD Tribal member children and spouses of Tribal Members

Application:

Date Approved by LVDGaming Commission: 05/16/2023.

Date Approved by the Public EnterpriseFinance Commission (PEFC): 08/29/2023.

• A fun, safe, fast paced work environment
• Employee Meal Discounts
• Gas Discount at Citgo C-Store
• Golf Discounts
• Paid Lunch
• Paid Holidays
• Access to training programs

Great Benefits for Full Time Employees offered after 90 days of employment:

• LVD Pays 80% of the cost of these benefits with only a 20% responsibility from the employee.
• Health – Offering 14 different medical coverages.