Lead Senior Cook - High-Volume Dining Service

University of California, Santa Cruz; California (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision insurance

UC Retirement Plans

Group Term Life Insurance

Legal Insurance

Pet Insurance

Paid Holidays & vacation

Job summary

University of California, Santa Cruz is seeking a Senior Cook to lead complex food production for residence hall meals and events. You will supervise production staff, ensure HACCP compliance and quality, and train team members to deliver high standards of service.

The role requires strong cooking techniques, leadership, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced dining operation. Health and safety guidelines are emphasized, with shifts including days, evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Strong cooking techniques for large dining service
• Ability to prepare complex sauces, entrees and desserts
• Experience leading kitchen staff in a high-volume setting
• Excellent communication to direct and train staff and interact with customers
• Knowledge of HACCP, food safety, storage and temperature controls
• Experience operating various kitchen equipment and tools
• Bilingual Spanish/English is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen production, ensuring menu items follow recipes and HACCP guidelines
• Train staff to meet quality, safety and service standards and update recipes as needed
• Monitor food quality, temperatures and presentation; adjust as required
• Coordinate schedules with management and supervise food production and service timing
• Interact with customers to explain menu variety and respond to questions
• Oversee production records and maintain sanitation and cleanliness

Skills

Cooking techniques

Sauces and entrees

Staff leadership

Customer service

HACCP & safety

Kitchen equipment operation

Bilingual Spanish/English

Education

Culinary education or equivalent

Job description

University of California, Santa Cruz is seeking a Senior Cook to lead complex food production for residence hall meals and events. You will supervise production staff, ensure HACCP compliance and quality, and train team members to deliver high standards of service.

The role requires strong cooking techniques, leadership, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced dining operation. Health and safety guidelines are emphasized, with shifts including days, evenings and weekends.