Lead Cook

Metropolitan Ministries; Tampa, Orlando, Alamogordo (FL, FL, NM); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Ministries is seeking a Lead Cook responsible for preparing and overseeing meals for clients in a nonprofit kitchen environment. The role requires strong culinary skills, leadership abilities, and a commitment to serving the community. Benefits include competitive pay, health coverage, and a supportive work culture focused on transforming lives.

Benefits

Group health, vision, and dental coverage

PTO offered to full-time and part-time employees

401K plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement program

Discounted membership at the YMCA

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food service preparation.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent food handler certification required.
• Experience in preparing meals for school-aged children is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve well-balanced meals independently.
• Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff and volunteers.
• Maintain kitchen sanitation and adhere to food safety guidelines.

Skills

Food preparation

Team leadership

Sanitation

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

ServSafe certification

Job description

Apply

Job Type

Full-time

Description

About Us:

• If you're looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, we may have a job for you.
• Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay.
• We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference.

What we offer:

* Salary: $19.00 - $20.00

* Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, along with family coverage if you choose to purchase it.

* Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans.

* PTO is offered to full-time and part-time employees.

* 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually.

* Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match.

* $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries.

* Employee Assistance Program

* Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates.

* Tuition reimbursement program

* Training and career development.

* Discounted membership at the YMCA.

Job Functions:

This position is responsible for preparing and overseeing well-balanced meals for all clients, ensuring food quality, sanitation, and cost control. The Lead Cook will work independently and provide support to kitchen staff, volunteers, and clients while maintaining an efficient and organized kitchen environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Independently prepare, cook, and serve well-balanced meals with limited direction, ensuring optimal food quality, proper temperatures, and exceptional presentation in line with organizational standards.
2. Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff, clients, and volunteers, providing guidance on meal prep and cooking techniques.
3. Support the Kitchen Manager with staff coordination, inventory management, and maintaining kitchen organization to ensure efficient operations.
4. Maintain kitchen sanitation and adhere to local health department food safety guidelines.
5. Ensure the serving line is well-stocked during meal service, managing timing and flow.
6. Oversee and ensure the cleanliness of the kitchen, including floors, equipment, hood vents, coolers, serving lines, walls, restrooms, and food containers.
7. Collaborate with the kitchen team to meet personnel, team, and organizational goals as outlined in the KPI and annual plan.
8. Support special events, including the Holiday Center, Bridge Builders Luncheon, and other fundraising activities as directed.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food service preparation.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent food handler certification required.
• Experience in preparing meals for school-aged children is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Skills Requirements:

This position requires the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary framework; Must be willing to be cross-trained and utilized throughout the Inside the Box Catering. Must be able to communicate effectively in English, orally as well as in writing. Must demonstrate a heart for the ministry of serving poor and homeless families. The position requires a degree of maturity, sensitivity to issues of faith, cross cultural and diversity issues, and the social skill to handle job-related matters in a professional and diplomatic manner. Requires the ability to supervise interns or volunteers. Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients, staff, and volunteers.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to tolerate outdoor temperatures consistent with Florida climate and endure prolonged standing/walking/bending/stooping and stretching. Must be able to relocate materials in a safe and proper manner. Must have adequate hearing and speaking ability as to take part in and provide sound oral communication and information. Must have the physical, emotional, and spiritual stamina to handle job-related issues and stress. Must be able to lift 50 lbs or more.

Other:

Must demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States. Must be able to communicate effectively in English. Valid FL driver's license with a good driving record and insured vehicle in order to transport self and orders when necessary. Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule during strategic and holiday periods of the year including weeknights, weekends, and particularly Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Must pass applicable pre-employment background screening procedures.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.

Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 813-209-1083 or via email at [e-mail]