Lead Cook - Community Kitchen Leader (Mission-Driven)

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

UHC medical plans

Company-funded pension

403(b) plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division seeks a Lead Cook to prepare nutritious meals from donated foods and pantry stock. You will plan menus, supervise volunteers, and ensure adherence to recipes and health standards in a busy kitchen environment.

You will train staff, manage schedules, coordinate with the General Manager, and participate in community feeding programs. This role requires cooking experience, leadership, and a commitment to safe food handling.

Qualifications

• Requires high school completion or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years in the food industry with supervision experience.
• Degree in food service/beverage management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop menus based on seasonal ingredients and inventory.
• Source ingredients from trusted suppliers and vendors.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes following recipes.
• Train and supervise kitchen staff and ensure ServSafe compliance.
• Oversee kitchen operations, inventory, and cost control.
• Ensure health and safety standards and sanitation guidelines.

Skills

Flexibility

Attention to detail

Independent judgment

Cooking experience (preferred)

Multitasking

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Degree in food service/beverage management preferred

Tools

Safe from Harm training

Serve Safe Certification

CPR and AED training

Job description

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division seeks a Lead Cook to prepare nutritious meals from donated foods and pantry stock. You will plan menus, supervise volunteers, and ensure adherence to recipes and health standards in a busy kitchen environment.

You will train staff, manage schedules, coordinate with the General Manager, and participate in community feeding programs. This role requires cooking experience, leadership, and a commitment to safe food handling.