Lead Cook

Oak-Grove-Recovery; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Grove Recovery in Columbus, OH is seeking a Lead Cook to oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure nutritious meals for patients, staff, and guests. You will lead dietary staff, enforce food safety standards, and coordinate menus with dietary requirements.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent and at least three years in commercial food service, with supervisory experience preferred. The role offers a full-time schedule and opportunities in a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary training or related education preferred.
• Minimum of three years of commercial food service or institutional cooking experience required.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, or hospitality experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of meals and snacks according to menus and dietary requirements.
• Supervise daily kitchen operations to ensure timely and efficient meal service.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local food safety regulations.
• Monitor food quality, taste, presentation, portion control, and consistency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Order, receive, store, and manage food products and supplies; maintain inventory levels.
• Train, mentor, and support dietary staff in preparation techniques and sanitation.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet meal service deadlines.
• Collaborate with leadership and clinical staff on dietary restrictions and patient preferences.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of kitchen equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Time management

Communication

Team-building

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary training / food service certification

Job description

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Description

JOB TITLE: Lead Cook

REPORTS TO: Dietary Manager

DEPARTMENT: Dietary

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

OVERVIEW

Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the kitchen and ensuring the preparation and service of nutritious, high-quality meals for patients, staff, and guests. This position ensures compliance with food safety regulations, dietary requirements, sanitation standards, and company policies while providing leadership and guidance to dietary staff. Lead Cook supports Oak Grove Recovery's mission by delivering exceptional food service and maintaining a safe, efficient, and organized kitchen environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of meals and snacks according to approved menus and dietary requirements.
• Supervise and coordinate daily kitchen operations to ensure timely and efficient meal preparation and service.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Monitor food quality, taste, presentation, portion control, and consistency.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.
• Order, receive, store, and manage food products and supplies while maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
• Conduct routine inspections of food preparation, storage, and service areas.
• Train, mentor, and support dietary staff in food preparation techniques, sanitation practices, and workplace expectations.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to meet meal service deadlines.
• Collaborate with leadership and clinical staff regarding dietary restrictions, food allergies, special diets, and patient preferences.
• Ensure proper operation, cleaning, and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
• Monitor food and labor costs and identify opportunities for improved efficiency and cost control.
• Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, coaching, and evaluating dietary personnel as assigned.
• Address and resolve concerns related to food services from patients, staff, and visitors in a professional manner.
• Maintain required documentation, including food temperatures, sanitation logs, inventory records, and inspection reports.
• Participate in emergency preparedness activities and facility response procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary training, food service certification, or related education preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of commercial food service or institutional cooking experience required.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, or hospitality environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of food preparation techniques, sanitation standards, and kitchen operations.

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions, food allergies, and nutritional requirements preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, and humid kitchen environments.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.

Working Conditions

The Lead Cook works primarily in a commercial kitchen environment and may be exposed to heat, steam, cleaning chemicals, sharp objects, and varying temperatures. Flexible scheduling, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be required based on operational needs.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

Position Requirements

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

Shift -not applicable-

Position Lead Cook

Division Oak Grove Recovery

Number of Openings 1

Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt

Hiring Manager(s)

Location PCMH

About the Organization

About the Organization Healing with Dignity, Recovery with Purpose.
Oak Grove Recovery proudly serves the Columbus, Ohio, community by providing compassionate, judgment-free addiction treatment. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to support each individual on their healing journey, offering care rooted in dignity, purpose, and unwavering respect.

This position is currently accepting applications.