Lead Cook - 140300

UC San Diego Health is a leading academic health system in the San Diego region, renowned for providing cutting-edge patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. The health system features two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the area's only Burn Center, and numerous outpatient clinics. UC San Diego Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment for all staff, faculty, students, and visitors, promoting both professional growth and superior patient outcomes.

The Lead Cook position within Hillcrest Nutrition at UC San Diego Health offers a rewarding career opportunity for experienced culinary professionals passionate about healthcare food service. This career appointment provides full-time employment with a pay scale ranging from $25.00 to $29.11 hourly. The pay transparency act indicates an annual full pay range between $52,889 and $69,823, depending on experience, skills, education, and organizational needs.

As a Lead Cook, you will assume a pivotal role in overseeing kitchen operations, particularly acting as the person in charge during the absence of the Sous Chef or other management personnel. You will ensure all department sanitation and hygiene standards meet or exceed regulatory and industry standards, maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment. Preparation of menu items ahead of service for cafeteria meals, patient tray lines, and special functions will be expected, along with ordering and inventory duties to maintain adequate supplies.

Your responsibilities include checking food and kitchen supplies to guarantee quality and adherence to health standards. You will supervise and collaborate with other cooks, assigning tasks that ensure all cleaning duties and kitchen preparations are completed efficiently. Training and mentoring kitchen personnel will also be an essential part of your role, helping to enhance the overall quality of food production and kitchen operations.

This role demands expertise in quality food production, including tray-line service, cafeteria cooking, grill management, and catering efficiency. Knowledge of standardized recipes, production sheets, and food safety guidelines is crucial to uphold UC San Diego Health's commitment to patient nutrition and satisfaction. You must also possess excellent customer service skills to interact responsibly with colleagues and patients alike.

Working hours are variable 8-hour shifts scheduled Sunday through Saturday, necessitating flexibility and availability, including weekends. Additional conditions include compliance with criminal background checks, pre-employment physicals, and adherence to vaccination program policies. The physical demands of this position require the ability to bend, squat, stand, and walk for extended periods, reflective of the active and dynamic kitchen environment.

Joining UC San Diego Health means becoming part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in healthcare and Nutrition during patients' clinical journey. If you have the culinary experience and leadership capabilities required for this role, UC San Diego Health encourages you to apply and contribute to its mission of providing exceptional care and fostering an inspiring workplace.