Lead Cook

American Food & Vending

Portland (ME)

On-site

USD 26,000 - 29,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Pay

401K with match

Delicious employee meal and beverage

Employee Referral Bonus Program

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible hours and shifts

Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vis

Uniforms and Safety Shoes provided

Learning and advancement opportunities

Job summary

American Dining Creations in Portland, ME is seeking a Lead Cook to ensure exceptional dining through precise preparation, grilling, and presentation of menu items.

You will lead by example, support the team, and deliver high-quality service in a fast-paced environment. Experience with flat tops, open flame grills, and POS is a plus; strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

Previous lead kitchen or hospitality/food service experience.
Basic knife skills.
Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Self-motivated and willing to take on additional roles/responsibilities.
Dedicated to excellence in hospitality and great dining experiences.
Ability to cross-train and use multiple skills.
Safety and detail oriented.
Lifting up to 50 lbs and standing for shifts.

Responsibilities

Lead by example, support the team, and streamline dining services.
Cook, grill and serve menu items at a designated station.
Operate stove, flat top, and open flame grill and other kitchen equipment.
Transport pans, kettles, and trays following safety standards.
Prepare and serve food per guest specifications.
Store foods with proper wrapping, dating, and rotation.
Retain temperature logs and production records.
Maintain stocked supplies and inventory as directed.
Set up and break down stations, clean and sanitize equipment.
Adhere to state and local food safety regulations.
Focus on customer satisfaction and professional communication.
Be efficient and organized; may operate POS for orders.
May be assigned other duties as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Multitasking

Customer service

Communication

Safety awareness

Flexibility

Tools

Stove top

Flat top grill

Open flame grill

POS system

Job description

Pay: $19 - $21

Location: Portland, Maine

Summary:

A Lead Cook with American Dining Creations ensures exceptional dining through accurate and efficient preparation, portion, grilling and presentation of menu offerings. Successful Lead Cooks exhibit strong leadership qualities, promote teamwork, and can multitask while providing exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment. By supporting the team, providing outstanding service, a smile, and appetizing food, our Lead Cooks create a memorable dining experience for our guests.

Responsibilities:

Lead by example, support the team, and take initiative to streamline and improve dining services.
Cook, grill and serve menu offerings within a designated station.
Utilize a stove top, flat top, open flame grill and other necessary kitchen equipment.
Carries pans, kettles, and trays of food to and from workstations, stove, and refrigerator in accordance with established safety standards.
Prepare and serve food and any goods per guest specifications.
Stores foods in designated areas following standard wrapping, dating, food safety, and rotation procedures.
Retains temperature logs and production records in an efficient manner.
Keep supplies replenished, coolers restocked, and takes inventory as directed.
Set-up and breakdown stations, clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, dishes for designated workstation.
Adhere to all state and local food production, safety, and sanitation regulations.
Remain focused on customer satisfaction through providing excellent service to all guests, clients, and team members.
Listen well and communicate in a professional and friendly manner.
Be efficient and organized.
May operate POS to complete orders, and package “to go” items.
May be assigned other duties and responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications:

Previous experience in a lead kitchen role or a proven background in hospitality/food service, utilizing a flat top or open flame grill.
Basic knife skills a plus.
Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-volume, high-quality environment.
Self-motivated achiever, eager to learn and interested in taking on additional roles and responsibilities.
Must be dedicated to excellence in hospitality and have a desire to offer a great dining experience.
Ability to cross train and cross utilize skills.
Safety and detail oriented.
This position requires lifting 50lbs, bending, walking, climbing stairs, and standing for scheduled shifts.

About Us

Together, American Food & Vending and American Dining Creations form one of the nation’s largest privately held dining and refreshment service organizations. Family-owned and headquartered in Syracuse, NY, we have served clients nationwide for more than 80 years, delivering customized dining and refreshment solutions across business, education, healthcare and cultural environments.

Recognized by NAMA and our peers as Operator of the Year, we combine national capabilities with a personal, responsive approach to create exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.

Our Mission

To create moments of happiness through customized hospitality experiences that delight guests and bring people together.

Our Vision

To be the best in the industry at elevating hospitality experiences for places where people want to be.

Our Values: F.I.R.S.T.

Family – Treat people as family.

Integrity – Do the right thing.

Responsiveness – Listen first. Then act with urgency.

Service Excellence – Deliver exceptional experiences every day.

Teamwork – Win together.

American Dining Creations Offers: