Lead Cook - Campus Dining & High-Volume Service

University at Buffalo Campus Dining & Shops; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

University at Buffalo Campus Dining & Shops is seeking a Lead Cook to manage high-volume food preparation and ensure adherence to standardized recipes. You will assist with training, supervise staff during shifts, and help control costs while maintaining top food quality and safety standards.

The role requires strong customer service, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Familiarity with HACCP and NYS Health guidelines is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years professional cooking experience.
• Ability to follow standardized recipes.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Proficiency in professional knife-handling skills.
• Experience at organizing and maintaining kitchen workstations.
• Experience in safe food handling and sanitation techniques.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• High-volume food preparation and cooking following established recipes and production system.
• Maintain production and usage records as required.
• Utilize products to minimize food costs.
• Supervise and coach shifts including knife skills and task delegation.
• Maintain sanitary, hygienic, and safety standards in line with HACCP & NYS Dept. of Health guidelines.
• Communicate with management on kitchen topics such as par levels and recipe corrections.
• Assist with training new hires and student workers.
• General cleaning and other kitchen-related duties as requested.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Multitasking

English proficiency

Knife handling

Tools

Slicer

Job description

University at Buffalo Campus Dining & Shops is seeking a Lead Cook to manage high-volume food preparation and ensure adherence to standardized recipes. You will assist with training, supervise staff during shifts, and help control costs while maintaining top food quality and safety standards.

The role requires strong customer service, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Familiarity with HACCP and NYS Health guidelines is essential.