Lead Cook/ Chef

KrocQuincy; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Omaha, NE seeks a Lead Cook to prepare wholesome meals from donated items and pantry stock, serving programs that support mental health respite and community meals. You will plan menus, supervise kitchen staff, ensure ServSafe compliance, manage inventory, and collaborate with the General Manager on schedules and quality control.

The role includes driving as a required function and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Serve Safe Certification required.
• Must pass background checks.
• Two years in the food industry with supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop menus based on seasonal ingredients and inventory.
• Source high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes following recipes.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff; ensure ServSafe protocols are followed.
• Oversee inventory management, scheduling, and cost control.
• Ensure health and safety regulations and sanitation standards are met.
• Address guest feedback promptly and maintain cleanliness.

Skills

Flexibility

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Serve Safe Certification

CPR and AED training

Safe from Harm training

Job description

*** Full- Time 40 Hours Per Week, Compensation Range: $60,000-$68,000(depending on experience) ***

The Salvation Army Mission: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Why should you apply for this role? We offer competitive wages, a rich benefit package which includes UHC medical plans with low deductibles, 100% company funded pension plan, voluntary benefits to include 403(b), life insurance, AFLAC and short-term & long-term disability, time off benefits include vacation, sick and personal days, along with 13 paid holidays a year. Turn your passion for cooking into a purpose. Join The Salvation Army as a Lead Cook and prepare delicious, nutritious meals while making a real difference in the lives of people in our community!

Summary/Primary Purpose: To prepare and serve wholesome, nutritious meals primarily using donated food items and stock from the kitchen pantry and freezers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and develop menus based on seasonal ingredients, dietary preferences, or based on inventory in dry and cold storage.
• Source high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers and vendors.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes, ensuring consistency and adherence to recipes.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff, to ensure Kitchen and appropriate staff follow all ServSafe protocols.
• Responsible for preparing meals for Mental Health Respite (MHR); Family Meals of Hope, Winter Night Watch and other feeding that may advance the mission.
• Develop and implement general kitchen, meal preparation, and serving and cleaning procedures.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to kitchen team members, ensuring efficient workflow.
• Monitor food preparation processes to maintain quality, freshness, and food safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, sanitation guidelines, and food handling procedures.
• Oversee inventory management, including stock rotation, ordering, and cost control.
• Work with General Manager to create and maintain kitchen schedules, staffing plans, and production and cleaning schedules.
• Address guest feedback and complaints promptly and professionally.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, including equipment maintenance and sanitation.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork and professional growth among kitchen staff.
• Ensure volunteers and other employees maintain safe and sanitary conditions during prep, serving, and storage of food.
• Preparation of required statistical and financial reports (gifts-in-kind)
• Report needed maintenance issues to General Manager.
• First point of contact for Kitchen volunteers and work collaboratively with the General Manager to schedule and coordinate training.
• May be asked to participate in Omaha Metro programs as needed beyond lunch service at Omaha North Corps.
• Driving is an essential function of the position.
• All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Manages Staff & Volunteers.

Education and/or Experience: This position requires successful completion of high school as well as a minimum of two (2) years in the food industry and supervisory experience. Degree in food service/beverage management or similar preferred.

Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this position.

• Ability to be flexible and able to work on multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
• Knowledge of basic tools, cleaning equipment, and cleaning products.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to access payroll, timekeeping, and personal data via a web-based system.
• Attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills.
• Preferred cooking experience

Other Qualifications: Must pass all applicable background checks.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must successfully complete within 90 days of hire:

• Safe from Harm training within 90 days of hire, as established by The Salvation Army
• Serve Safe Certification
• CPR and AED training

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical requirements include good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity. Ability to stand, bend and reach for extended periods of time, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate cleaning equipment. This position will require the ability to lift and/or move more than 50 pounds occasionally.

Working Conditions: The work environment is a kitchen, with exposure to varying temperatures and noise levels.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

Additional Information

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.