Lead Cook

US Lawns; Voorhees Township, Northern (NJ, KY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement Fun

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Plan

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health Insurance Waiver

Life Insurance

MetLaw

Job summary

Lions Gate is seeking a Lead Cook to support daily meal service by preparing, cooking, and supervising kitchen staff. The role ensures quality, presentation, and safety standards while maintaining a clean, efficient kitchen environment.

Minimum 2 years in a professional kitchen with supervisory experience preferred; ServSafe certification preferred. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for coordinating with front-of-house and residents.

Qualifications

• 2 years in a professional kitchen; supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain attention to detail.
• ServSafe or equivalent certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of meals for current and upcoming service periods.
• Supervise kitchen staff to ensure timely, consistent service.
• Set up and stock cook's line; re-stock for next shift.
• Follow portion sizes, plating standards, and recipes.
• Monitor supplies and coordinate with Sous Chef for operations.
• Maintain food safety, temperature, and presentation during service.
• Label, store, and handle prepped/leftover food per safety guidelines.
• Use kitchen equipment safely and report maintenance or safety issues.
• Maintain a clean as you go policy and support sanitation.
• Complete temperature recordkeeping for food, coolers, and freezers.
• Create prep lists and ensure readiness for upcoming meals.
• Communicate with front-of-house to coordinate service and resident needs.
• Portion, weigh, and measure ingredients accurately.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food safety

Attention to detail

Supervisory experience

Job description

Job Description

The Lead Cook supports daily meal service by preparing, cooking, and supervising kitchen and production staff. This position ensures that all menu items meet established quality, presentation, and safety standards while maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete a variety of food preparation tasks for current and upcoming meal periods.
• Supervise kitchen and production team members to ensure timely and consistent service.
• Set up and stock the cook’s line with food, supplies, and utensils prior to service; re-stock for the next shift.
• Follow portion sizes, plating standards, and recipes accurately.
• Monitor food supplies and communicate needs to Sous Chef for smooth kitchen operations.
• Maintain quality, temperature, and presentation standards during meal service.
• Properly label, store, and handle all prepped and leftover food according to safety guidelines.
• Use kitchen equipment safely and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain a “clean as you go” policy and support overall kitchen sanitation.
• Complete required recordkeeping, including food, cooler, and freezer temperatures.
• Create and follow prep lists, ensuring readiness for upcoming meal periods.
• Communicate professionally with front-of-house staff to coordinate service and meet resident needs.
• Portion, weigh, and measure ingredients accurately following recipes and production records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a professional kitchen; supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain attention to detail.
• ServSafe or equivalent certification preferred.

Company Description

Lions Gateis a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community rooted in Jewish traditions and values. A home to seniors who share a passion for the things that matter – lifestyle, care, community, and tradition – to those who share a passion for life and all its possibilities. Here atLions Gate, we have created a high standard of living for all of our residents. We are committed to honoring the programs and traditions of the Jewish faith in our community. Our employees reflect this commitment through their warm and loving nature in providing care and services to all those that reside at Lions Gate. By becoming part of theLions Gatecommunity and committing yourself to the care and comfort of each and every resident we serve, we assure you that your life will also be enriched in many ways.

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Fun
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health Insurance Waiver
• Life Insurance
• MetLaw