Lead School Cook: HACCP-Driven Kitchen Leader

Southeast Polk Community School District; Pleasant Hill (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Head Cook for Senior High to manage daily meal preparation and supervise kitchen staff. The role requires enforcing HACCP SOPs, following menus, and coordinating with the Director of Food and Nutrition Services.

You will order supplies, maintain records, and ensure meals meet safety and quality standards while supporting students and staff with courteous service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prefer two years quantity cooking experience.
• Must obtain ServSafe certification and complete New Manager Training within 6–12 months.
• Basic clerical and mathematical skills required.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and accomplish tasks.
• Ability to lead a group and work harmoniously with staff, students, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate, and participate in day-to-day school kitchen operations ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost control.
• Prepare food per written menus; estimate and order quantities; monitor expenditures.
• Receive orders, verify items, ensure quality, and store food properly.
• Maintain production records, inventories, and logs; input data into computer systems.
• Oversee meal production, service, cleanup, and staff deployment to meet timelines and customer expectations.
• Ensure serving areas are set up for efficiency and appeal; HACCP SOPs followed.

Skills

High school diploma

Two years cooking experience

ServSafe certification

New Manager Training

Clerical & math skills

Leadership ability

Team coordination

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Southeast Polk Community School District is seeking a Head Cook for Senior High to manage daily meal preparation and supervise kitchen staff. The role requires enforcing HACCP SOPs, following menus, and coordinating with the Director of Food and Nutrition Services.

You will order supplies, maintain records, and ensure meals meet safety and quality standards while supporting students and staff with courteous service.