Lead Cook, Late Shift, IU Dining and Hospitality

Indiana University (IU) Dining and Hospitality is a proud extension of Indiana University's commitment to education, innovation, and tradition, reflecting the true essence of Hoosier hospitality. As a leading provider of culinary services within the university community, IU Dining is dedicated to delivering fresh, delicious, and sustainably sourced cuisine to its students, faculty, staff, and guests. The department maintains a vision centered on a service-oriented and collaborative culture that fosters creativity and innovation. Collaborating closely with local and regional producers, IU Dining emphasizes sustainable procurement practices that align with the preferences and dietary needs of the university’s diverse community. Their welcoming dining halls and eateries provide inviting spaces where guests enjoy high-quality meals crafted by skilled IU chefs who develop innovative recipes in-house. IU Dining’s residential staff also coordinate with other dining teams, including retail and Indiana Memorial Union (IMU) dining operations, to ensure consistency in menu offerings and ingredient sourcing.

The role available is that of a Lead Cook within IU Dining’s residential dining team located in Bloomington, Indiana. This position is categorized under AFSCME union coverage and offers an advertised salary of $17.25 per hour, with a shift premium of $1.50 for hours worked between 2:00 p.m. and midnight, provided six or more hours are worked during these times. The work schedule typically falls between 2:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with alternating weekend shifts and flexibility to accommodate special meals or events. This role holds a mastery career level within the food services job family and falls under nonexempt status under FLSA.

The Lead Cook is charged with supervising and leading a team composed of full-time and student staff to efficiently prepare and serve the daily menu offerings. Key responsibilities include following standardized recipes meticulously, preparing food with precision, and ensuring proper food safety and sanitation practices. The Lead Cook is responsible for organizing and maintaining kitchen inventory by receiving and storing food supplies, managing inventory rotation to prevent spoilage, and ensuring the kitchen is stocked for scheduled meal services. This role requires hands-on food preparation tasks such as weighing and measuring ingredients, peeling, slicing, trimming, and cleaning food items, and operating cooking appliances while upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

In leadership, the Lead Cook provides mentorship and guidance to lower-level cooks, trains team members regularly, addresses customer and staff inquiries, troubleshoots issues, and ensures continuous service coverage including break time management of team members. The Lead Cook also collaborates with supervisors and chefs to review quality standards, monitor workflow, and implement closing procedures. IT is essential that the Lead Cook demonstrates strong organizational skills, time management, and the ability to prioritize multiple assignments efficiently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Given that the kitchen environment involves working under hot or humid conditions, handling diverse ingredients including possible allergens, and some degree of physical effort, the role demands a high level of professionalism, accuracy, flexibility, and a commitment to quality. Indiana University values team players who represent the institution with integrity and foster a hospitable atmosphere.

Overall, this role provides an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about food service, leadership, and community engagement to contribute to a renowned educational institution's dining operations while benefiting from comprehensive employee support and professional development opportunities. IU Dining’s extensive benefits package for full-time staff further underscores its commitment to staff well-being and career growth.