Lead Cook - Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch

Scottsdale, AZ, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health savings account

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

paid sick days

hotel discounts

educational assistance

Paid parental leave

Life insurance

Short term disability insurance

long term disability insurance

employee perks

hospital indemnity

critical illness insurance

accident insurance

Job Description

Sonesta International Hotels is recognized as the 8th largest hotel company in the United States, with a rapidly growing presence in the hospitality industry. The company boasts a unique and diverse portfolio of over 1000 properties across eight countries, combining full-service hotels with focused-service properties in major cities. Sonesta has made a name for itself by delivering exceptional hospitality, emphasizing the human side of service through passion, loyalty, and authentic guest connections. It is an organization committed to excellence across all its operations, with a dedication to quality, value, and memorable experiences for every guest at every stay. Known for its dynamic growth and comprehensive range of owned, managed, and franchised properties, Sonesta continues to thrive in an ever-competitive market by fostering a culture of teamwork and exceptional guest service.

The Lead Cook position at Sonesta International Hotels plays a crucial role in supporting the hotel's mission and its overall success by delivering high-quality food preparation and service in various dining functions, including breakfast, evening social hours, and special events. This role is designed to execute operational goals effectively by assisting in the setup, service, and breakdown of food and beverage buffet areas, ensuring adherence to quality and consistency standards. As an essential member of the culinary team, the Lead Cook is responsible for following established recipes and procedures while maintaining food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness. This position demands strong leadership qualities to guide and train kitchen staff, support daily kitchen functions, and foster a cooperative and efficient work environment.

Sonesta’s Lead Cook is tasked with ensuring the highest standards of food preparation quality and presentation through careful monitoring and testing of food items for taste, texture, appearance, and temperature. The role requires the ability to read and interpret banquet event orders (BEOs) to guarantee precise execution during events. Additionally, the Lead Cook supports banquet and service operations by preparing, transporting, and setting up food and beverage items as well as managing inventory and kitchen equipment to ensure smooth daily operations.

The successful candidate must exhibit a proactive approach to maintaining cleanliness and organization of kitchen and service areas, following all industry regulations and company policies concerning health, sanitation, and safety standards. They also provide direction, mentoring, and training to junior kitchen staff to promote professional growth and operational consistency. Strong guest service skills are essential, including responding promptly and professionally to guest requests and supporting service recovery efforts when necessary.

Working at Sonesta requires flexibility in work schedules including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the demands of a busy hospitality environment. Candidates must have a valid ServSafe Food Handler Certification, and depending on the hotel’s operational needs, may be required to obtain TIPS certification. The Lead Cook position is ideal for individuals who possess hands-on expertise in a fast-paced hotel or restaurant kitchen environment, enjoy working with a collaborative team, and are passionate about creating exceptional culinary experiences that align with Sonesta’s commitment to quality hospitality and guest satisfaction.

Job Requirements

3-5 years of experience in a hotel or restaurant kitchen or equivalent education and experience
Experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment
Ability to speak, read, and write fluent English
Basic math, reading, and writing skills
Ability to stand, bend, climb, kneel, and move for extended periods
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 75 pounds
Comfortable working with commercial cleaning chemicals
Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Handler Certification
May require TIPS certification
Ability to work flexible schedules including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Job Qualifications

3-5 years of experience in a hotel or restaurant kitchen or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment including preparation of meals for large groups or banquet-style service
Ability to speak, read, and write fluent English
Additional language skills are a plus
Basic math, reading, and writing skills required
Ability to stand, bend, climb, kneel, and move throughout the facility for extended periods
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 75 pounds
Comfortable working with commercial cleaning chemicals and maintaining safety standards
Must obtain and maintain a valid ServSafe Food Handler Certification
May be required to obtain TIPS certification depending on operational needs
Ability to work a flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

Job Duties

Prepare and execute all food orders in a timely and consistent manner in accordance with established recipes and quality standards
Ensure proper preparation methods, cooking times, presentation, and portion control
Monitor and test food to verify quality, taste, texture, appearance, and temperature standards
Follow detailed prep lists and instructions provided by the Sous Chef and kitchen leadership
Read and interpret Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to ensure accurate execution of events
Prepare, transport, and set up food and beverage items for banquet and buffet service
Ensure buffet and service areas are fully stocked with food, beverages, utensils, and supplies
replenish as needed during service
Assist with the setup and breakdown of meeting and event spaces, ensuring proper food service execution and cleanliness throughout events
Inspect kitchen and service areas daily to maintain high standards of food quality and presentation
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and service environment, including equipment, workstations, and storage areas
Adhere to all health, sanitation, and safety standards in compliance with local regulations and company policies
Properly handle, store, label, and rotate food products to ensure freshness, safety, and minimal waste
Complete all opening and closing cleaning duties as assigned
Monitor inventory levels at stations and ensure adequate supplies are available for service
Follow proper procedures for storage and security of food, equipment, and supplies
Inspect kitchen equipment regularly to ensure proper operation and report any malfunctions or safety hazards to management
Provide direction and support to kitchen staff to ensure efficient and consistent operations
Assist in training team members and monitoring performance, recommending corrective action when needed
Conduct or support pre-shift meetings to communicate daily events, priorities, and menu items
Respond promptly and professionally to guest requests, questions, and concerns
Support service recovery efforts as needed to ensure a positive guest experience
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to health, safety, sanitation, and food handling
Maintain professional appearance and adhere to uniform and grooming standards
Perform other duties as assigned to support kitchen and hotel operations