Lead Cook

American Food & Vending ⏐ American Dining Creations•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

A Lead Cook with American Dining Creations ensures exceptional dining through accurate and efficient preparation, portioning, grilling, and presentation of menu offerings. The role calls for strong leadership, teamwork, multitasking, and excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment. Lead Cooks support the team and help create memorable guest experiences with outstanding service and appetizing food. The position includes preparing and serving food at a designated station, maintaining food safety and sanitation standards, keeping records and inventory, and setting up, cleaning, and sanitizing the workstation. The Lead Cook may also operate a POS system, complete orders, and package takeout items. Other duties may be assigned as needed. American Dining Creations is part of American Food & Vending, a family-owned dining and refreshment service organization headquartered in Syracuse, New York. The company serves clients nationwide across business, education, healthcare, and cultural environments and has operated for more than 80 years.

Requirements

Previous experience in a lead kitchen role or a proven background in hospitality or food service, including use of a flat-top or open-flame grill.
Ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced, high-volume, high-quality environment.
Self-motivated, eager to learn, and interested in taking on additional roles and responsibilities.
Dedication to excellence in hospitality and providing a great dining experience.
Ability to cross-train and apply skills across roles.
Safety- and detail-oriented.
Ability to lift 50 pounds, bend, walk, climb stairs, and stand for scheduled shifts.

Nice To Haves

Basic knife skills.

Responsibilities

Lead by example, support the team, and take initiative to streamline and improve dining services.
Cook, grill, and serve menu offerings within a designated station.
Use a stovetop, flat-top, open-flame grill, and other necessary kitchen equipment.
Carry pans, kettles, and trays of food to and from workstations, the stove, and the refrigerator in accordance with safety standards.
Prepare and serve food and goods according to guest specifications.
Store food in designated areas using standard wrapping, dating, food safety, and rotation procedures.
Maintain temperature logs and production records efficiently.
Replenish supplies, restock coolers, and take inventory as directed.
Set up and break down stations; clean and sanitize equipment, utensils, and dishes for the designated workstation.
Follow all state and local food production, safety, and sanitation regulations.
Focus on customer satisfaction by providing excellent service to guests, clients, and team members.
Listen well and communicate professionally and in a friendly manner.
Work efficiently and stay organized.
May operate a POS system to complete orders and package takeout items.
May perform other duties and responsibilities as needed.