Lead Cook - Senior Living Dining Leader

CiminoCare, Inc.; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 61,992,000 - 67,502,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

CiminoCare, Inc. is seeking a Lead Cook to prepare high-quality, nutritious meals for residents in a senior living community. The role provides leadership to kitchen staff, ensures food safety standards, and supports a resident-centered dining experience.

The Lead Cook collaborates with the Dining Services Director on menu planning, handles dietary restrictions, and maintains a clean, organized kitchen while adhering to regulatory requirements. Evening and weekend availability is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous experience as a cook, line cook, or lead cook in healthcare, senior living, hospitality, or institutional food service preferred.
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and therapeutic diets in a senior care setting preferred.
• Ability to work in a structured environment with regulatory compliance requirements.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with planned menus, standardized recipes, portion control guidelines, and resident dietary requirements.
• Provide daily leadership and direction to cooks, dietary aides, and kitchen staff during assigned shifts.
• Ensure meals are prepared and served on time while meeting quality, presentation, and temperature standards.
• Accommodate therapeutic and modified diets, including diabetic, cardiac, low-sodium, texture-modified, and other physician-ordered dietary needs.
• Monitor food quality, freshness, proper labeling, rotation, and storage in compliance with food safety standards.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing food safety and sanitation in long-term care settings.
• Assist with inventory management, including ordering, receiving, stocking, and First In, First Out (FIFO) rotation practices.
• Train, mentor, and support kitchen staff in food preparation, sanitation procedures, safety practices, and resident service expectations.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and report maintenance needs promptly.
• Collaborate with the Dining Services Director and culinary team on menu planning, seasonal menus, and special events or resident celebrations.
• Support a resident-centered dining program by responding professionally to resident preferences, feedback, and special requests when appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen and food service environment at all times.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Food safety

Time management

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Professionalism

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

CiminoCare, Inc. is seeking a Lead Cook to prepare high-quality, nutritious meals for residents in a senior living community. The role provides leadership to kitchen staff, ensures food safety standards, and supports a resident-centered dining experience.

The Lead Cook collaborates with the Dining Services Director on menu planning, handles dietary restrictions, and maintains a clean, organized kitchen while adhering to regulatory requirements. Evening and weekend availability is expected.