Lead Cook: High-Impact School Kitchen Leader

Yay Lunch; Easton (Northampton County); On-site; USD 27,552 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued paid time off

Job summary

Yay Lunch is seeking a Lead Cook to drive daily kitchen operations at our school program. You will lead hot and cold production, ensure portions and temps align with recipes, and maintain high standards for safety and efficiency.

You’ll manage batch days, inventory, labeling, and FEFO compliance while developing the team. Strong communication with school staff and a pride in consistent meals are essential.

Qualifications

• Current Food Handler certification is required; ServSafe certification is a plus.
• Experience in a high-volume kitchen such as school food service or catering.
• Strong knife skills and comfort with hot line and cold prep.
• Detail-oriented: follow recipes, label correctly, and avoid cutting corners.
• Reliable, on time, and ready to work hard from the moment you walk in.

Responsibilities

• Lead hot and cold production on the line, ensuring portions, temperatures, and timing are correct.
• Oversee cold batch production, batch scheduling, labeling with prep and use-by dates, and FEFO compliance.
• Manage kitchen pars and inventory; count weekly, order based on counts, receive deliveries, log waste, and flag discrepancies.
• Develop and mentor team members; brief at shifts, assign roles, and address performance with documentation.
• Engage with school administration, collect feedback, and represent Yay Lunch on site.

Skills

Food Handler certification

High-volume kitchen experience

Knife skills

Detail-oriented

Punctual and reliable

Education

ServSafe certification

Job description

Yay Lunch is seeking a Lead Cook to drive daily kitchen operations at our school program. You will lead hot and cold production, ensure portions and temps align with recipes, and maintain high standards for safety and efficiency.

You’ll manage batch days, inventory, labeling, and FEFO compliance while developing the team. Strong communication with school staff and a pride in consistent meals are essential.