Lead Cook/Sous Chef

Cedarhurst of Columbia • Columbia, MO

2d

About The Position

The Lead Cook/Sous Chef, reporting directly to the Dining Services Director, assists in managing the daily operations of the kitchen and dining services. This role supports meal preparation, staff training, inventory management, and food safety compliance to ensure residents consistently receive high-quality dining experiences. By coordinating with the Dining Services Director, the Lead Cook/Sous Chef helps maintain kitchen organization, oversees food handling and sanitation standards, and provides leadership coverage in the Director’s absence. This position plays a key role in upholding Cedarhurst dining programs, supporting special events, and promoting resident satisfaction through excellence in food service.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Two (2) years experience working in culinary production with food and restaurant knowledge.
• 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).

Nice To Haves

• Formal culinary training preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• Along with comprehensive benefits, we offer GROW Points—a unique rewards system that celebrates your hard work and dedication.
• You’ll also enjoy perks like exclusive Skechers shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and more!

What This Job Offers

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