Lead Cook

Kala Seattle LLC; Washington; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kala Seattle LLC is seeking a Lead to supervise daily kitchen operations, ensuring top-tier food quality, safety, and service while guiding a team of culinary professionals in a fast-paced setting.

The role emphasizes innovative menu planning, strict recipe adherence, dietary accommodations, and exceptional portion control and presentation during high-volume production. You will mentor staff, uphold sanitation standards, and drive continuous improvement to delight guests.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a culinary team in a high-volume setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and sanitization.
• Proven ability to manage meal quality and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate kitchen staff to achieve outstanding food quality and efficiency during meal preparation and service
• Oversee adherence to recipes, dietary restrictions, and presentation standards
• Supervise food preparation processes including poaching, braising, grilling, and other cooking techniques to maintain consistency and quality
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely and effectively, including knives, stoves, ovens, and food processing tools
• Ensure compliance with all food safety sanitizing procedures and food handling regulations to uphold health standards
• Manage high-volume production schedules while maintaining attention to detail in food presentation and portion control
• Collaborate with dietary department staff for meal customization and special dietary needs management

Skills

Leadership

Food safety management

High-volume kitchen operations

Menu planning

Team management

Quality control

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Lead to join our dynamic culinary team. In this pivotal role, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and service. Your leadership will inspire a team of culinary professionals to deliver exceptional meals that delight our guests and uphold our commitment to excellence. This position offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise while managing high-volume food production in a fast-paced environment. If you thrive on teamwork, have a passion for innovative menu planning, and possess a strong foundation in food safety and kitchen management, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate kitchen staff to achieve outstanding food quality and efficiency during meal preparation and service
• Oversee adherence to recipes, dietary restrictions, and presentation standards
• Supervise food preparation processes including poaching, braising, grilling, and other cooking techniques to maintain consistency and quality
• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment safely and effectively, including knives, stoves, ovens, and food processing tools
• Ensure compliance with all food safety sanitizing procedures and food handling regulations to uphold health standards
• Manage high-volume production schedules while maintaining attention to detail in food presentation and portion control
• Collaborate with dietary department staff for meal customization and special dietary needs management

Requirements

• Proven experience as a dietary aide or in a similar culinary role with extensive menu planning responsibilities
• Strong background in fine dining or restaurant environments with high-volume food production experience
• Demonstrated skills in food safety management, sanitizing procedures, and proper food handling techniques
• Proficiency in operating various kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
• Excellent knife skills along with expertise in cooking methods such as poaching, braising, grilling, and catering preparation
• Knowledge of food industry standards including recipe adherence, meal preparation, and catering services
• Prior experience working within dietary departments or healthcare settings is highly desirable
• Ability to lead a team effectively while maintaining a positive work environment

Join us to be part of a vibrant team dedicated to culinary excellence! We offer a supportive environment where your leadership can make a real impact on the quality of our meals and the satisfaction of those we serve. If you are passionate about food safety, innovative cooking techniques, and leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced setting, this is the perfect opportunity for you!