Lead Cook

Kalahari Resorts LLC; Virginia, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth

401(k) matching

Health, dental and vision

Employee perks at all resorts

Education assistance

Job summary

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is seeking a Lead Cook to support the Restaurant Chef and lead daily kitchen operations. You will prepare made-to-order dishes with consistency, care, and adherence to safety standards.

Expect a fast-paced environment with opportunities for training and growth, and a focus on teamwork and guest satisfaction. Competitive hourly pay and a comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years of experience in a high-volume restaurant/food/concessions outlet production kitchen or similar leadership role.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, busy environment and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Must be able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items to order while maintaining quality and presentation.
• Support the Restaurant Chef or Sous Chef in daily kitchen operations and service flow.
• Train cooks and kitchen staff during prep and service.
• Monitor food quality before items are served to guests.
• Organize prep lists, stock stations, and manage product levels.
• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen and storage areas.
• Support waste reduction and efficient food production.
• Communicate effectively with culinary leaders and team members to keep service running smoothly.

Skills

High-volume kitchen experience

Food production leadership

Fast-paced environment

Attention to detail

Job description

Description

***Interviews starting in September with a projected October start date***

Help Deliver the Kalahari Experience

At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, wedon’tjust create vacations—we craft unforgettable experiences. Home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, our African-inspired resorts offer world-class dining, luxurious spas, thrilling entertainment, andcutting-edgeconvention centers that redefine hospitality.

Butwe’remore thana resort. As a family-owned company, our Promise is simple:Lead with Love. This means caring deeply for our guests, associates, and communities—treating people like family, giving back generously, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued.

Through our partnership with charity: water,we’realso committed to bringing clean water to one million people in Africa.

Lead Cook

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is seeking a Lead Cook.In this role, you’ll support the Restaurant Chef and daily kitchen operations by preparing high-quality food, guiding cooks on the line, maintaining consistency in recipes and presentation, and helping ensure food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards are met. This role may also assist with training team members, organizing prep needs, monitoring food quality before service, minimizing waste, and supporting the Restaurant Chef or Sous Chef during high-volume periods.

As part of our team, you’ll bring our Promise to Lead with Love to life by preparing made-to-order food with consistency, care, and quality.

Pay Rate: $17- $18/hr

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items to order while maintaining quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Support the Restaurant Chef or Sous Chef in daily kitchen operations and service flow.
• Help guide and train cooks and kitchen associates during prep and service.
• Monitor food quality before items are served to guests.
• Assist with organizing prep lists, stocking stations, and maintaining product levels.
• Follow and reinforce food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.
• Help maintain clean, safe, and organized kitchen and storage areas.
• Support waste reduction, portion control, and efficient food production.
• Communicate effectively with culinary leaders and team members to keep service running smoothly.

WhatWe’reLooking For

• 2 -3 + years of experience in a high-volume restaurant/food/concessions outlet production kitchen is preferred, or experience in a similar capacity with progressive kitchen leadership experience.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment, work under pressure, and meet deadlines with particular attention to detail.
• Must be able to withstand prolonged standing, stretching, bending, kneeling, lifting, and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs. without restriction.
• Ability to work on nights, weekends, and holidays.

A Sampling of Our Benefits

Our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Career growth opportunities with promotion from within
• 401(k) matching, paid time off, and holiday compensation
• Health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time associates
• Employee appreciation events, discounts, andperksat all resorts
• Educationassistanceprograms to help advance your career

Be Part of Something Extraordinary

At Kalahari, we believe the best leadersLead with Love—because love builds trust, inspires growth, and creates experiences that last a lifetime.That’swhywe’reproud to be recognized byForbesas one of America’s Best Midsize Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women, and byUSA TODAYas the #1 Best Indoor Water Park.

Here, careers thrive, innovation is encouraged, and every day brings new opportunities to create meaningful moments. Whetheryou’redelivering guest service, crafting memorable meals, or leading a team, your work makes a real impact.

| Wisconsin Dells, WI|Sandusky, OH|Pocono Manor, PA|Round Rock, TX|Spotsylvania County, VA |

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Wisconsin Dells - 608-254-5466 ext. 42123

Pennsylvania - 570-580-6000 ext. 21077

Texas - 512-582-4765