Lead Cook/Kitchen Manager

LakeHouse Kalamazoo • Kalamazoo, MI

7d

About The Position

The Lead Cook/Kitchen Manager oversees kitchen operations and supervises and assists dining services Team Members. The role balances cooking responsibilities, manages kitchen workflow, and maintains a customer-focused approach, with visibility during mealtimes and participation in resident food council meetings. The position also coordinates staff schedules and assignments, trains employees on operating procedures and menus, and ensures food quality, sanitation, safety, service, and budgetary standards are met.

The Lead Cook/Kitchen Manager monitors resident satisfaction and responds to feedback, supports dining room service, orders food for resident meals and events, and helps maintain the point-of-sale system. The role assists the Director with timekeeping and payroll entries as needed and prepares food for marketing, family, and special events. The position must comply with applicable state and federal requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of experience in a senior care setting.
• Food Service Sanitation Certified.
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.
• Excellent communication, organization, and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations, including supervising and assisting dining services Team Members.
• Maintain a customer-focused attitude, manage traffic flow, and balance cooking responsibilities among cooks.
• Remain visible during mealtimes and attend food resident council meetings.
• Prepare schedules and assign tasks to kitchen staff.
• Ensure staff meet standards for uniforms, personal appearance, customer service, and food handling.
• Train staff on operating procedures and menu education.
• Operate efficiently within budgeted guidelines.
• Promote customer engagement and interact with residents during meals to monitor satisfaction and concerns; develop plans to address issues as appropriate.
• Facilitate high-quality food and beverage sanitation and service practices in the dining room.
• Maintain sanitation and control standards in the dining room and drink stations.
• Ensure dining team cleanliness, hygiene, attire, and health standards are maintained.
• Operate in compliance with state and federal laws.
• Monitor food presentation, temperature, quality, and serving portion size.
• Lead and communicate with kitchen personnel about adjustments and share resident feedback.
• Assist servers with table service as needed.
• Order food weekly for resident meals and events while maintaining budget compliance.
• Maintain the POS system through communication with IT support.
• Assist the Director with timekeeping procedures and payroll entries as needed.
• Attend and prepare food for marketing, family, or special events.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with early access to earned wages.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid training and growth opportunities.
• Uniforms where applicable.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Volunteer time off.
• Wellness-related benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED