Food Service - Lead Cook

SSA Group, LLC•Milwaukee, WI

3d•$18 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

SSA Group at the Milwaukee County Zoo is looking for an experienced Lead Cook to join our culinary team. We're seeking candidates who thrive in a fast-paced environment and have experience leading by example in high-volume kitchens. If you have experience training team members, maintaining food quality and safety standards, and keeping operations running smoothly during busy service periods, we want to hear from you. Experience as a Lead Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, Kitchen Manager, Shift Leader, or a similar role in a high-volume food service environment is strongly preferred. Experience in casual dining, quick-service restaurants, hotel kitchens, banquet operations, catering, or other fast-paced culinary settings is highly valued. For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey. Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Exceptional problem-solving/decision-making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
An ideal candidate is a team player, personable, professional, upbeat, and energetic, and takes initiative.
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operate, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Previous kitchen experience needed.
Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus on opportunities of giving back.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Lead Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, Kitchen Manager, Shift Leader, or a similar role in a high-volume food service environment is strongly preferred.
Experience in casual dining, quick-service restaurants, hotel kitchens, banquet operations, catering, or other fast-paced culinary settings is highly valued.
Leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
Work closely with Kitchen Manager(s) and Chef(s) to ensure the restaurant prep (BOH and line) is completed for daily operation.
Meet daily quick service, food service, safety and quality, availability, merchandising and guest service standards.
Ensure proper food quantities are set for daily and ongoing service.
Participate in safety logs, including food temperatures, rotation and waste as necessary.
Ensure safe food handling is maintained.
Ensure proper uniform, hygiene, hand-washing and glove use with self.
Maintain a SSAfe work environment by abiding to all SSAFETY rules.
Follow through daily prep and item lists, as assigned.
Actively help to support operations in the assigned role, supporting gaps as necessary.
Actively and efficiently respond to guest and client feedback, with report to the supervisor to ensure that any potential complaints are mitigate against further occurrence.
Communicate with the Restaurant Supervisor and/or Food Operations Manager in regard to any issues seen with daily service or quality.
Remain knowledgeable of all menu items, prices and specials for sharing with guests.
Assist with dishwashing as necessary.
Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Benefits

Free employee parking
Discounted food and merchandise
Opportunities for growth and advancement
A unique work environment at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Eligible for overtime pay.
On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations.
Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave.
Holiday pay of 1.5× the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.