Lead Cook/Sous Chef

Fort Wayne, IN, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $19.00 - $21.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Benefits

Medical insurance

Life insurance

long-term disability coverage

401(k) plan with Company Match

GROW Points rewards system

Skechers shoe discounts

Early paycheck access

Job Description

Cedarhurst Senior Living is a renowned provider of senior living communities dedicated to delivering exceptional care and personalized services to its residents. Known for its commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant and supportive environments where seniors can thrive and lead fulfilling lives. The company prides itself on fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and positivity, emphasizing the importance of every team member in making a meaningful difference. Cedarhurst invests significantly in their employees through comprehensive training programs and career development opportunities, promoting from within to support professional growth. The company also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match for eligible employees after one year of service. Additionally, Cedarhurst enhances staff morale and engagement through unique reward systems like GROW Points, exclusive Skechers shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and more.

The Lead Cook/Sous Chef position at Cedarhurst plays a vital role in the dining services department, reporting directly to the Dining Services Director. This role involves assisting in the management of daily kitchen operations, ensuring high standards of meal preparation, food safety, and staff training. The Lead Cook/Sous Chef helps maintain kitchen organization, oversees inventory management, and enforces food handling and sanitation protocols to deliver consistent, high-quality dining experiences for residents. The position requires a hands-on leader who can also provide staff training and serve as a backup for the Dining Services Director when necessary. Key responsibilities include supporting special events and catering functions, developing work schedules, placing orders for kitchen supplies, and maintaining documentation such as temperature logs and sanitation records. The Lead Cook/Sous Chef must stay current with all food safety licensing requirements and demonstrate knowledge of Cedarhurst dining programs. This role necessitates communication skills to work effectively with team members, residents, and families, ensuring resident well-being is a top priority. The ideal candidate has culinary experience, preferably formal training and certifications, and is adept at using basic computer software for administrative duties. Working conditions may involve standing or walking for extended periods, occasional lifting, and adherence to infection control protocols. Cedarhurst is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to accommodating individuals with disabilities and prioritizes health and safety through background checks, health assessments, and PPE use as required by policy and law.

Job Requirements

high school diploma or equivalent
two years experience working in culinary production with food and restaurant knowledge
formal culinary training preferred
food manager certification preferred or ability to obtain
applicable state/county licensure preferred
CPR or BLS certification preferred
basic understanding of microsoft office suite (word, excel, outlook, powerpoint)

Job Qualifications

high school diploma or equivalent required
two (2) years experience working in culinary production with food and restaurant knowledge
formal culinary training preferred
food manager certification preferred or ability to obtain
applicable state/county licensure preferred
CPR or BLS certification preferred
basic understanding of microsoft office suite (word, excel, outlook, powerpoint)

Job Duties

oversee and organize kitchen stock and inventory levels in the absence of the dining services director
work with the dining services director to maintain kitchen organization
assist in orientation and continued training of dining team
instruct all team on operation, maintenance, and cleaning of all dining services equipment
exhibit thorough knowledge of and conduct hands-on training of staff on all food service positions and proper food handling
assist in ensuring food is properly prepared, portioned and served and monitors all food items to ensure the guidelines for temperature, taste and quality are upheld
remain current and up to date with all food safety licensing requirements for state, county, and local authorities
assist with proper documentation of temperature logs, refrigeration logs, sanitation logs and cleaning schedules
support all catering, room service, special party needs, marketing functions, etc
demonstrate a working knowledge of all dining service shifts and be familiar with individual assignments and resident dining needs
cover shifts in the absence of dining services director
develop schedules and place orders as needed
attend community leadership meetings as needed
learn and implement cedarhurst dining programs
maintain safety standards as outlined by cedarhurst guidelines for infection control
utilize basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, rations, and proportions to practical situations
maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures are followed and equipment is working properly
ensure effective communication is being utilized by community staff with the residents' families concerning residents' care, encompassing their physical, personal, and emotional wellbeing
work well with others and take direction from management, as well as taking initiative with the capability to engage in conflict intervention and resolution for residents, families, employees, and others as needed
other duties as assigned