Lead Cook

Gilder Search Group; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,444,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Healthcare benefits

401k

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Learning & development

Job summary

Clayco is seeking a dedicated Lead Cook to join our kitchen team. You will support culinary operations by assisting with food preparation, keeping the kitchen organized, and maintaining cleanliness during service.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and can work at all stations during service. Responsibilities include assisting with prep, maintaining sanitation, coordinating with line cooks, delivering items, managing inventory, and helping with plating and

Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume kitchens and fast-paced service environments.
• Ability to follow recipes and quality standards.
• Capable of working independently at each kitchen station.
• Strong attention to cleanliness, organization and safety.
• Able to lift and move heavy items (up to 50 pounds).

Responsibilities

• Assist with food preparation and organizing ingredients.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary work environment and sanitize surfaces.
• Support the cooking line by prepping garnishes, sauces, and sides.
• Deliver food items to line cooks or front of house as directed.
• Monitor kitchen cleanliness and adherence to sanitation guidelines.
• Assist with inventory and restocking of supplies.
• Assist with plating and packaging during peak service times.
• Help organize storage areas and equipment maintenance.

Skills

High-volume environments

Fast-paced work

Follow recipes

Cooking ability

Independent at stations

Attention to detail

Communication and teamwork

Safety and sanitation

Lifting up to 50 pounds

Job description

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

The Role We Want You For

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Lead Cook to join our kitchen team. As an essential part of our kitchen operations, you will support the culinary team by assisting with food preparation, keeping the kitchen organized, and maintaining cleanliness throughout service. This position requires a team-oriented individual with a passion for food and a commitment to providing excellent service. The ideal candidate should be able to work at all stations in the kitchen during service.

The Specifics of the Role

• Assist with food preparation, including chopping, slicing, and organizing ingredients under the guidance of line cooks or chefs.
• Help maintain a clean and organized work environment, including sanitizing surfaces, cleaning tools, and disposing of waste.
• Assist with the cooking line by prepping garnishes, sauces, or sides as needed during service hours.
• Deliver food items to the line cooks or directly to the front of the house as directed.
• Monitor the cleanliness of the kitchen and adhere to all food safety and sanitation guidelines.
• Maintain inventory of kitchen supplies and assist in ordering and restocking as required.
• Support with plating, garnishing, and packaging of food orders during peak service times.
• Assist with the organization and cleanliness of storage areas, including walk-in refrigerators and dry storage.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations and prompt service.
• Assist with kitchen equipment maintenance and report any issues to supervisors.
• Help manage waste disposal and proper handling of food waste for sustainability.
• Other duties as assigned by line cooks, chefs, or kitchen managers.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in high volume environments.
• Strong interest in working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow recipes, instructions, and quality standards.
• Confidence in cooking ability.
• Ability to work independently at each station.
• Strong attention to detail, cleanliness, and organization.
• Ability to multi-task and work efficiently under pressure during busy service hours.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to handle kitchen tools and equipment safely.
• Ability to lift and move heavy items (up to 50 pounds).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, and move around the kitchen and storage areas.
• Ability to lift heavy boxes, ingredients, and kitchen equipment as necessary.

Some Things You Should Know

• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!

Why Clayco?

• 2025 Best Places to Work - St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Top 400 - Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms - Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors - Green Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The hourly pay for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.