Market Lead Cook

Discovery Land Company; La Quinta, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401k contribution

Paid time off and holidays

Employee meals

Professional development and upwardmob

Job summary

The Madison Club in La Quinta, California, seeks a Market Lead Cook to join the Culinary Department. This full‑time seasonal role oversees kitchen leadership, executes high‑quality meals, and mentors staff from October to June.

The position emphasizes food safety, portion control, and guest satisfaction in a luxury private club environment. The role requires strong organizational and multitasking abilities, plus flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a line cook or similar culinary position preferred.
• Leadership experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of food safety practices and sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate 2–5 cooks or prep staff during service.
• Prepare a variety of entrees, sides, and specialty meals to recipe standards.
• Taste and check dishes for flavor, temperature, and presentation; correct deviations.
• Verify all stations have complete prep before service; communicate prep priorities.
• Enforce ServSafe standards and monitor temperatures; maintain clean stations.
• Train and mentor junior cooks on recipes, techniques, and procedures.
• Monitor stock levels and assist with inventory rotation.

Skills

Line cook experience

Leadership

Food safety

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

This role will be located at one of Discovery Land Company’s locations: The Madison Club, located in La Quinta, California. The Madison Club is seeking a Market Lead Cook to join the Culinary Department. The Market Lead Cook is responsible for preparing and executing high-quality food items in a Luxury Private Club market or food service environment. This role ensures food quality, consistency, sanitation, and operational efficiency while supporting kitchen leadership and mentoring team members. The Lead Cook plays a key role in maintaining service standards and delivering exceptional guest experience. The Madison Club is open during the winter & spring season, and this role will be for a full time, seasonal need from October- June.

Responsibilities

• Kitchen Leadership: Direct and coordinate 2–5-line cooks or prep staff during service, assigning tasks, monitoring workflow, and ensuring timely ticket execution
• Meal Execution: Prepare a variety of entrees, sides, and specialty meals (including dietary accommodation) to recipe standards, ensuring proper portioning and presentation
• Quality Control: Taste and check dishes for flavor, temperature, and consistency; correct deviations immediately
• Mise en Place & Prep Oversight: Verify all stations have complete prep before service; communicate prep priorities to prep cooks
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Enforce ServSafe standards, monitor temperatures, maintain clean stations, and ensure proper food storage and rotation
• Training & Mentorship: Train and mentor junior cooks on recipes, techniques, and kitchen procedures
• Inventory & Ordering: Monitor stock levels, communicate ordering needs, and assist with inventory rotation
• Menu & Specials Support: Assist the head chef in developing or testing new menu items and specials
• Operational Problem-Solving: Address equipment issues, coordination challenges, or other operational problems during shifts

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a line cook, cook, or similar culinary position preferred.
• Leadership experience a plus
• Hospitality/Resort Industry experience a plus
• High School Diploma or Equivalent Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate kitchen staff during service.
• Knowledge of food safety practices and sanitation standards.
• Food Handlers Certification required within 7 days of hire.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Requirements

• Positive attitude, professional demeanor, and exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to deliver service to members, guests, and team members.
• Must be able to work flexible work hours/schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Long hours may be required due to business demands.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Ability to stay calm and focused during the busiest of times.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English; additional languages preferred.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position including, but not limited to, working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, standing, walking, and moving for periods of greater than eight (8) hours, and lifting and carrying items sometimes greater than fifty (50) pounds.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401k Contribution
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Employee Meals, Referral Incentives, and Recognition Programs
• Professional development and upward mobility opportunities
• Work-Family Culture

The Company’s good faith estimate of the hourly rate it expects to pay for this role is $26-$30 and is based on applicable and specialized experience and location.

About Us

Nestled in California’s desert paradise, The Madison Club is La Quinta’s most exclusive, private residential community, offering the finest golf and club facilities in an intimate and sophisticated setting. It is a place of effortless grace and charm with an ambiance of quiet sophistication, intimacy, and understated luxury. Offering a limited number of homes and memberships, The Madison Club is the modern interpretation of California’s classic old-line country clubs, offering five-star dining and member events, wellness and fitness amenities, and Discovery’s signature Outdoor Pursuits program. At The Madison Club, our employees use their personal talent, passion, and resources to meaningfully integrate with diverse cultures and communities. All while providing the highest level of member and guest services and contributing to the creation of unforgettable experiences.

For more information about our club, please visit: https://madisonclubca.com/

Discovery Land Company is a U.S.-based real estate developer and operator of private residential club communities and resorts with a world-renowned portfolio of domestic and international properties. The mission of Discovery Land Company is to create one-of-a-kind environments that provide individuals and families the freedom, security, and resources to learn, grow, and play in some of the most beautiful places in the world. For more information about our company, please visit: http://www.discoverylandco.com.

#LI-YLI Discovery Land Company is a U.S.-based real estate developer and operator of private residential club communities and resorts with a world-renowned portfolio of domestic and international properties. The mission of Discovery Land Company is to create one-of-a-kind environments that provide individuals and families the freedom, security, and resources to learn, grow, and play in some of the most beautiful places in the world. For more information about our company, please visit: http://www.discoverylandco.com.

Discovery Land Company and all US-based affiliate companies participate in e-Verify. Please see these notices for more information: Right to Work Notice and E-Verify Participation.