Lead Cook – Senior Living, Flexible Hours & Growth

Jaybird-Senior-Living; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

Health, dental, vision, disability, & 

Life insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off and flexible hours

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Jaybird Senior Living is seeking a Lead Cook to head a dedicated kitchen team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for residents. You will oversee all culinary operations, including menu planning, food preparation, staff training, and daily administrative tasks to ensure quality, safety, and resident satisfaction.

The role emphasizes leadership in a dining program for seniors, with opportunities to influence menu design and cost management while maintaining high standards of service and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Approved Food Service Certificate per state requirements (if applicable).
• Knowledge of culinary service management.
• Preferred: Culinary Arts degree and two years of related culinary or hospitality experience.

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

Leadership

Staff supervision

Menu planning

Food safety

Communication

Budgeting

Education

High school diploma or GED

Food Service Certificate

Culinary Arts degree (preferred)

Job description

Jaybird Senior Living is seeking a Lead Cook to head a dedicated kitchen team in delivering exceptional dining experiences for residents. You will oversee all culinary operations, including menu planning, food preparation, staff training, and daily administrative tasks to ensure quality, safety, and resident satisfaction.

The role emphasizes leadership in a dining program for seniors, with opportunities to influence menu design and cost management while maintaining high standards of service and