Lead Cook — Flexible Hours, Senior Living

Jaybirdseniorliving4; Dubuque, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Health, dental, vision, disability, &

401(k) with match

Paid time off and flexible hours

Employee assistance program and on‑d…

Career growth in a fast-growing…

Job summary

Jaybird Senior Living in Dubuque, IA seeks a Lead Cook to lead a kitchen team, oversee menu planning, food preparation, and daily operations to ensure quality and resident satisfaction. You will train staff, conduct in-service coaching, manage inventory and costs, maintain safety standards, and collaborate with the dining services team to deliver exceptional meals.

This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and a passion for serving the elderly, with opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• Experience in leading a kitchen team and coordinating meals for residents.
• Knowledge of menu planning and cost control in a senior living setting.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and sanitation practices.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Cooks and Culinary Assistants; participate in hiring, training, and discipline of staff.
• Conduct in-service trainings and performance reviews (30-day, 90-day, and semi-annual).
• Plan menus to minimize waste, prepare food, serve meals, and maintain quality presentation.
• Cook up to 4 days per week and develop changes to the full-service “Anytime” menu.
• Maintain food storage, rotation, inventory of kitchen equipment, food, and supplies; perform annual inventories.
• Order food and supplies as needed, keeping within budget guidelines and performing cost analysis.
• Ensure proper sanitation practices, safety procedures, and compliance with all regulatory standards, including HIPAA.
• Enforce company dress code, PPE usage, and food safety standards.
• Assist with emergency response, including fire alarms and resident calls for urgent assistance.
• Fill in for Cooks or Culinary Assistants as needed and support the safety team and community committees.
• Report unsafe conditions and follow all Policies & Procedures and Community regulations.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu planning

Staff training

Food safety

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Food Service Certificate

Job description

Jaybird Senior Living in Dubuque, IA seeks a Lead Cook to lead a kitchen team, oversee menu planning, food preparation, and daily operations to ensure quality and resident satisfaction. You will train staff, conduct in-service coaching, manage inventory and costs, maintain safety standards, and collaborate with the dining services team to deliver exceptional meals.

This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and a passion for serving the elderly, with opportunities for growth