Lead Cook

University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy; Missouri; On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy is seeking a Lead Cook for its in-house dining services. This full-time role requires managing kitchen staff, preparing meals, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and experience in foodservice, with a focus on safety and quality. The position offers comprehensive benefits and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental and vision coverage

University-paid life insurance

Retirement match

Generous leave policies

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in foodservice/food preparation required.
• Ability to follow recipes and food safety guidelines.
• Experience working in a typically loud, fast-paced food service environment.

Responsibilities

• Directs kitchen staff and manages operations.
• Ensures safe, sanitary food-handling practices.
• Prepares and cooks meals based on recipes.

Skills

Organizational skills

Food safety knowledge

Reliability

Service focus

Multitasking

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: UHSP main campus - St. Louis, MO

Position Type: Staff (Full-time)

Education Level: High School

Salary Range: Undisclosed

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Day shift

Job Category: Dining and Food Services

Description

University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy is looking for a Lead Cook. This position leads the kitchen staff prepare dining hall and catering meals for a small close knit University in-house dining services team. Responsibility for directing kitchen staff to complete assigned work, while spending a large amount of time directly responsible for prep and cooking; may support ordering and supplies. This is a full-time, hourly, four-day, year-round position entitled to University insurance, retirement and time off benefits. Regular schedule is Sunday 9:00am to 7:00pm, Monday and Tuesday 8:00am to 7:30pm, and Wednesday 8:00am to 3:00pm (day/hours may change as needed). The University is located in St. Louis in the middle of the Washington University medical campus near public transportation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs regular and customary tasks of kitchen staff
• Manages the operation in conjunction with management
• Inspect food preparation and serving areas to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices.
• Turn or stir foods to ensure even cooking.
• Season and cook food according to recipes or personal judgment and experience.
• Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling, or piercing them with utensils.
• Weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Portion, arrange, and garnish food, and serve food to guests.
• Regulate temperature of ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
• Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.
• Bake, roast, broil, and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
• Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.
• Carve and trim meats such as beef, veal, ham, pork, and lamb for hot or cold service, or for sandwiches.
• Consult with supervisory staff to plan menus, taking into consideration factors such as costs and special event needs.
• Other duties as assigned by Management

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Knowledge of preparing, cooking and serving food in large quantities.
• Ability to follow recipes, measurements, and follow food safety guidelines
• Two years of experience in foodservice/food preparation
• Reliability and service focus
• Work effectively in a typical food service environment which may include loud noises, fast paced, large numbers of people, high volume activity, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some formal culinary training, certificates, or college experience
• Experience working in an institutional and/or contracted food service operation or similar industry preferred.
• Five (5) years of experience as a cook
• Ability to work with management on menus, understand food costs, be creative and focused on quality
• Experience working in an institutional and/or contracted food service operation or similar industry preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and multitask
• Interpersonal skills and experience to lead other kitchen staff to ensure smooth service with high quality.

If this sounds like the job for you here is information on how to apply:

Follow the simple steps to apply online. With your application, please submit a resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled.

Benefits:

UHSP offers a great benefits package including excellent, affordable health insurance, dental, vision, University-paid life and disability insurance, voluntary coverage, retirement match, and generous parental and caregiver leave, personal and University holidays, sick and vacation time. University employees have access to library resources, fitness facilities, cafeteria and university events.

EOE Statement:

The University's policy of non-discrimination is congruent with our core values of discovery, diversity, inclusion, integrity, respect, and service. Together, our policy and core values foster an inspiring culture to advance the University's mission and equal opportunities in employment, our academics, programs, and services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), genetic information, veteran status or status as an individual with a disability consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.