Lead Cook

South Port Square is a premier retirement community nestled on a beautiful 40-acre campus in Port Charlotte, Florida, near the scenic Charlotte Harbor and the charming city of Punta Gorda. Known as one of Florida’s best-kept secrets, South Port Square has been dedicated to serving the unique needs of retirees and seniors for over 30 years. The community is part of Life Care Services (LCS), a nationally recognized leader in developing and managing senior living communities, with twelve such communities in Florida alone. As a team-based organization, South Port Square prides itself on fostering a culture rich in work ethic, commitment, and genuine care that positively impacts the lives of its residents. The management team and coworkers work collaboratively to support employees' professional growth and help them craft fulfilling careers in senior living.

The Lead Cook role at South Port Square is an exciting opportunity for a hospitality-driven individual who is passionate about culinary arts and dedicated to enhancing the dining experience for seniors. This full-time position plays a pivotal role in the kitchen’s daily operations and supports the Executive Chef by leading the team through various tasks including food preparation, menu planning, and staff supervision. The job offers a dynamic work schedule with shifts varying from early morning (5:00 AM to 1:30 PM) to mid-morning to evening hours (9:30 AM to 6:00 PM), with weekend availability required. With a starting salary from $20.00 per hour, the position includes comprehensive background screening as mandated by Florida’s Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.

Responsibilities of the Lead Cook involve organizing and clarifying all evening paperwork, posting the next day’s production schedule, maintaining the highest standards in food quality, presentation, and portion control, and assisting in the execution of menus and special functions. The Lead Cook also plays a critical role during shift changes and supervises utility workers on cleaning projects to ensure the kitchen environment meets and exceeds safety and cleanliness standards. This position demands strong leadership skills, culinary knowledge, and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a team.

South Port Square offers more than just a job; it provides a supportive environment that nurtures professional growth and values every team member’s contributions. Employees benefit from a workplace that emphasizes trust, transparency, and unity while delivering high-quality service and care to a vibrant senior community. If you are an enthusiastic, compassionate culinary professional who thrives in a team-oriented, senior-focused environment, this role offers an ideal platform for growth and fulfillment.