Lead Cook - Abington Jefferson - Various Shifts, Weekend Availability Required

Jefferson Health, a nationally recognized healthcare system headquartered in the greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley, Northeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey, is at the forefront of reimagining health care and higher education. Comprising more than 65,000 dedicated professionals, Jefferson Health is committed to delivering exceptional, compassionate clinical care to patients while fostering healthier communities, training future healthcare leaders, and advancing knowledge through a vast array of educational, clinical, and research programs. The organization includes Thomas Jefferson University with its Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, which collectively offer over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students. As one of the top 15 not-for-profit healthcare systems in the United States, Jefferson Health operates 32 hospital campuses and over 700 outpatient and urgent care centers, servicing millions of patient encounters annually.

Within this expansive and dynamic healthcare environment, the Lead Cook position at Lansdale Hospital holds a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of nutritious, safe, and appealing meals for both patients and staff. Reporting directly to the Food Service Supervisor, Food Service Manager, Production Manager, or Executive Chef, the Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing meal preparation and non-patient service meals, ensuring adherence to recipes and production schedules, and maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations. This role demands meticulous attention to detail to guarantee that all meals meet nutritional standards and are produced cost-effectively. Additionally, the Lead Cook plays an integral role in maintaining HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) protocols and production records, which are essential to food safety and operational efficiency.

The Lead Cook is more than just a preparer of meals; they contribute to menu development and participate in the planning of special event menus, reflecting flexibility and creativity in their approach to food service. Key responsibilities include portioning entrees, soups, sauces, and vegetables according to recipes, overseeing production areas, and ensuring proper food storage and sanitation. They proactively plan pre-preparation activities for subsequent days to maintain a seamless production schedule. Monitoring food service during patient and non-patient mealtimes, addressing delays, and ensuring leftovers are appropriately stored and reused within safe timeframes are pivotal to this role.

The position requires someone with a strong knowledge base in food safety, nutritional planning, and equipment maintenance. The lead cook must be well-versed in providing inpatient meals and supplements, maintaining food storage and preparation areas, and upholding the principles of a healthy diet. The role demands a high level of organization, leadership, and compliance with regulatory standards to guarantee the wellbeing of patients and staff alike.

Jefferson Health is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other protected class. The employment type for this role is regular, with shifts requiring availability on various schedules including weekends, ensuring essential meal services are maintained daily. While the specific salary details are not stated, Jefferson Health offers a competitive compensation package aligned with industry standards and experience levels.

This position also offers a wide range of benefits that support employees in work-life balance, health, and professional growth, reflecting Jefferson Health's commitment to their colleagues' well-being and career development. The Lead Cook role is ideal for experienced culinary professionals eager to contribute to a prestigious healthcare organization where quality and care intersect at every meal served.