Lead Cook/ Chef

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

403(b)

Life insurance

Disability insurance

13 paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory in Omaha is hiring a Lead Cook to prepare nutritious meals from donated food and kitchen stock. You will lead kitchen staff, ensure safety and hygiene, and coordinate with the General Manager on staffing and schedules.

Requires 2+ years in food service with supervisory experience; HS diploma preferred. ServSafe, CPR/AED training, and background checks are required within 90 days of hire. Flexible, teamwork-focused environment with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• HS diploma and at least 2 years in the food industry with supervision.
• Experience planning menus and sourcing ingredients.
• Ability to pass background checks and hold ServSafe certification.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop menus based on seasonal ingredients and inventory.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes following recipes.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff adhering to ServSafe protocols.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
• Oversee inventory, stock rotation, ordering, and cost control.
• Collaborate with the General Manager on schedules and operations.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Menu planning

Inventory management

Education

High school diploma

ServSafe Certification

CPR and AED 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.
• Strong independent judgment.
• 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.