Lead Cook

Mather; Tysons (VA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a Lead Cook to join their dynamic culinary team in Tysons, Virginia. This part-time role requires weekend and holiday availability, focusing on preparing high-quality meals while adhering to safety and sanitation standards. The ideal candidate will possess advanced cooking techniques, effective communication skills, and a passion for serving the senior community. Join a forward-thinking organization that values culinary excellence and offers a supportive work environment in a vibrant community setting.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of cooking techniques and kitchen sanitation practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively and lead a team in a culinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in preparing quality food and maintaining kitchen standards.
• Ensure safe food handling and assist with kitchen organization and cleanliness.

Skills

Cooking Techniques

Communication Skills

Kitchen Equipment Operation

Sanitation Certification

Written Communication Skills

Team Leadership

Sensitivity to Older Adults

Education

LobsterInk Level 4 Certification or Equivalent Experience

Tools

Kitchen Equipment

Job description

We are seeking a Lead Cook to join our team in Tysons, Virginia!

Part-time position available. Weekend and holiday availability required.

Position Summary: Leads shift in one location preparing all types of food while always maintaining the highest quality and standards. Ensures safe handling of all food and ingredients. Ability to produce advanced soups, sauces, vinaigrettes. Supports the team by demonstrating the highest standards of culinary excellence, accountability, respect, integrity, and compassion. Performs other duties as assigned. This is a safety sensitive position.

Essential Functions:

1. Assists the Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine in leading a team of cooks and utility team members during their assigned shift.
2. Prepares quality food at designated times according to regional campus recipes, working knowledge of both a la carte, banquet, batch cooking techniques, restaurant and rotational style menus, demonstrating kitchen sanitation practices according to HACCP procedures to ensure a fresh, quality product is served.
3. Prepares standard portions and plate presentations with garnishment and monitors food temperatures to ensure food is presented in an elevated fashion.
4. Regularly checks menu to ensure all food items are available and/or thawed in advance, notifying the Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine of any shortages.
5. Demonstrates proper use and cleaning of equipment and supplies and performs daily and weekly cleaning assignments. Helps maintain organization of coolers, freezers, storage areas, and storerooms and promptly reports equipment malfunctions or safety hazards to management.
6. Minimizes waste and over production, handles leftovers according to procedures and assures that all items are labeled, dated, and properly stored.
7. Follows instructions on daily production sheets and helps prepare production lists.
8. Assists with receiving deliveries, puts away deliveries when necessary, and assists with the organization of dry storage, walk-ins and freezer using proper rotational practices to avoid spoilage.
9. Assists Kitchen Attendant as needed/assigned with dish and ware washing, receiving, transportation of food and equipment, and cleaning duties.
10. May be assigned to assist Pastry Chef with basic or fundamental tasks.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

1. Advanced knowledge and understanding of cooking techniques.
2. Ability to communicate with supervisors, co-workers, residents, and guests and to follow standardized recipes.
3. Able to operate kitchen equipment and tools found within the hospitality/health care industry and demonstrate proper use, maintenance and cleaning to others.
4. Current sanitation certification.
5. Effective written communication skills, and the ability to read and interpret instructions.
6. Reliable, predictable, and punctual attendance, to provide timely service to internal and external customers and to support uninterrupted business operations.
7. Must be sensitive to the needs of older adults and enjoy working with a senior population.
8. Ability to lead productively in a team environment.
9. LobsterInk Level 4 completion and certification or equivalent experience.

About The Mather:

The Mather is a Life Plan Community in Tysons, Virginia, for those 62 and better that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. More than a luxury residence, The Mather is in an enviable walkable, urban neighborhood, close to the Metro and all the DC area has to offer. Opened in March 2024, The Mather includes 293 independent living apartment homes, as well as assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing, along with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, art studio, gardens and more.

The Mather is located at 7929 Westpark Drive, Tysons.

About Mather:

Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age Well SM, we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work, and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.