Lead Cook & Kitchen Operations Leader

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless in Denver is seeking a Lead Cook to oversee the daily kitchen and dining room operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and resident satisfaction. You will coordinate menu planning, inventory, procurement, and staff training in collaboration with the Operations Manager, while ensuring health, hygiene and sanitation compliance across the program.

The role requires strong leadership, budget awareness, and the ability to work effectively in a

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years cooking/kitchen experience.
• Minimum of 2 years with budget oversight and financial documentation.
• Current Colorado ServSafe Manager Certification required or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire date.

Responsibilities

• Plan high-quality menus within food budgets for breakfast and lunch services.
• Incorporate resident input on dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Train kitchen staff on safety, hygiene, and SOPs.
• Engage residents and volunteers in kitchen activities.
• Address equipment issues, inventory shortages and price changes; coordinate solutions.
• Maintain PAR levels for kitchen goods and related items.
• Support event and activities programming with kitchen assistance.
• Ensure use of company systems and maintain up-to-date records.

Skills

Menu planning

Team leadership

Food safety

Budget oversight

Resident input incorporation

Education

ServSafe Manager Certification (Colorado)

Tools

Automated inventory system

Job description

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless in Denver is seeking a Lead Cook to oversee the daily kitchen and dining room operations, ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and resident satisfaction. You will coordinate menu planning, inventory, procurement, and staff training in collaboration with the Operations Manager, while ensuring health, hygiene and sanitation compliance across the program.

The role requires strong leadership, budget awareness, and the ability to work effectively in a