Lead Cook - IL

Freedom-Village-At-Bradenton; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 29,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational Scholarships

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Medical, Dental, Vision

Daily Pay option

Job summary

Freedom Village of Bradenton is hiring a Lead Cook for our independent living community in Bradenton, FL. You will prepare high-quality meals for residents, oversee kitchen operations during shifts, and ensure safety and dietary guidelines are followed.

The role requires leadership, training of staff, and collaboration with the culinary team to maintain consistency and excellent service. Competitive hourly wages and a supportive, engaging workplace are offered.

Qualifications

• Must be able to understand and follow instructions in English.
• Three+ years of hotel/restaurant/club with fine dining preferred.
• Two+ years of cooking experience required.
• Two+ years of kitchen management experience required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items according to standardized recipes.
• Lead and coordinate line cooks and kitchen staff during shifts.
• Ensure portions, presentation, and safety standards are met.
• Assist with special events and holiday meals.
• Train new kitchen staff on procedures and safety.

Skills

English communication

Arithmetic

Kitchen supervision

Fine dining experience

Team leadership

Education

Culinary education

Tools

Restaurant equipment knowledge

Job description

WHO ARE WE?

If you enjoy working with older adults, caring for and talking with them, learning from their stories and seeing them smile, this is the job of a lifetime. At Freedom Village of Bradenton, you can jump-start a senior living career or build the one you have. You’ll grow, advance, and gain knowledge in senior services — one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country.

We offer jobs in Bradenton at all levels and for all types of skills and expertise. You’ll join a team that’s passionate about working with seniors and making them our top priority. We’re committed to delivering the very best resident-centered care and providing high-quality hospitality through our Extraordinary Impressions program. With integrity, a solid work ethic, and empathy for older adults, you can create a long, satisfying, and rewarding senior living career at Freedom Village of Bradenton.

Enjoy a culinary career with restaurant-style cooking, featuring a 12-entree rotating menu, fresh ingredients, and quality presentation — all in a welcoming environment with no late nights, allowing for better work-life balance.

Lead Cook

The Lead Line Cook in an independent living community is responsible for preparing high-quality meals for senior residents while overseeing kitchen operations during assigned shifts. This role ensures food is prepared safely, efficiently, and in accordance with dietary guidelines and community standards.

Our team members pride themselves on extraordinary care and holding each other accountable. If this sounds like a kitchen you’d love to be part of — we’d love to meet you!

YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE YOU WILL…

• Prepare and cook menu items according to standardized recipes
• Ensure proper portion control and attractive plate presentation
• Maintain consistent quality and taste of meals
• Accommodate special dietary needs (low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, allergen-free, etc.)
• Assist with special events, holiday meals, and themed dinners
• Lead and coordinate line cooks and kitchen staff during shifts
• Delegate tasks to ensure timely meal service
• Train new kitchen staff on procedures, recipes, and safety standards
• Step in for the Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager when needed

WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT YOU BECAUSE YOU…

• Have the ability to understand and follow instructions in English and communicate effectively and perform simple arithmetic. Ability to understand measurements and conversions.
• Have three plus years’ experience in a hotel, restaurant, or club with fine dining preferred.
• Have one year experience in long term care, preferred
• Have culinary education and supervisory background desirable.
• Able to plan and organize work, to interpret instructions, recipes, specifications, and standards.
• Knowledgeable of kitchen equipment operations and maintenance. Some knowledge of nutrition and diet. Health Care experience desirable
• Have at least two years of cooking experience (required)
• Have at least two years of kitchen management experience (required)

WE VALUE OUR EMPLOYEES AND SHOW APPRECIATION THROUGH…

• Scholarships and Educational Assistance Programs, because we value the development of our team members and promoting from within.
• Extraordinary Reward Points, because we value recognizing and appreciating our employees for their hard work.
• Our comprehensive benefits, because we value health and wellness for you and your family.
• Various Employee-led Committees because we value employee engagement and making your voice heard.
• A Free and Confidential Employee Assistance Program because we understand that life happens.
• Paid Training, Paid Time Off, and Paid Holidays.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability, (401)K Retirement
• Freedom Village Bradenton has partnered with Daily Pay to give our team members control over accessing their paycheck on their own schedule. Ask us about how this benefit supports your financial wellbeing today!

Salary: Starting at $22.00 per hour

Shift: 11:30 am - 8 p.m.

EEO Employer