Lead Cook

kalaharijobs; Woodford (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Health, dental, and vision

Employee discounts

Job summary

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the United States is seeking a Lead Cook to support the Restaurant Chef and lead kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food, consistency in recipes, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards.

This role offers the opportunity to guide and train cooks during busy periods, help manage prep, monitor food quality, and contribute to a guest-first dining experience across our resort kitchens.

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years in a high-volume kitchen or similar leadership role.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, under pressure, meeting deadlines.
• Stand for long periods; lift up to 50 lbs; nights/weekends/holidays may be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items to order with quality and presentation.
• Support the Restaurant Chef in daily operations and service flow.
• Train cooks and kitchen staff during prep and service.
• Monitor food quality before serving to guests.
• Organize prep lists, stock stations, and maintain product levels.
• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.
• Maintain clean, safe kitchen and storage areas.
• Support waste reduction and efficient food production.
• Communicate with culinary leaders to ensure smooth service.

Skills

Fast-paced environment

Team leadership

Food safety

Attention to detail

Job description

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, and perks at all resorts
• Education assistance programs 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 by Forbes as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women, and by USA TODAY as 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.