Lead Cook

The Yay Company•Wilmette, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Cook is the engine of the Yay kitchen. This is a hands-on cooking role where the individual is responsible for being at the line, in the prep, ensuring every meal served to students meets specifications and is delivered on time. The role also involves maintaining kitchen organization and setting the standard for team performance. This position is ideal for someone who loves to cook, values consistency, and can be trusted to manage the kitchen during critical times.

Requirements

Current Food Handler certification (required)
Experience in a high-volume kitchen (school food service, catering, or similar)
Strong knife skills
Comfort with both hot line and cold prep
Detail-oriented approach to following recipes and labeling
Reliability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic

Nice To Haves

ServSafe certification

Responsibilities

Oversee hot food production, ensuring adherence to recipes and correct portioning.
Monitor food temperatures and keep production on schedule.
Manage cold batch production, ensuring timely completion, correct portioning, immediate labeling with prep and use-by dates, and proper storage at or below 41°F.
Enforce FEFO (First-Expired, First-Out) principles for all cold items.
Conduct weekly inventory counts and order supplies based on counts and the batch schedule.
Receive deliveries, verify against invoices, and address any product issues.
Log all waste daily and review patterns weekly.
Brief the kitchen team at the start of each shift with clear assignments and standards.
Debrief the team at least twice a week, addressing performance issues directly and documenting them.
Communicate proactively with school administration regarding menu changes or service updates.
Collect and relay feedback from students and staff.
Complete daily food safety logs, including temperatures at opening, during cooking, during holding, and at close.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of the station and shared kitchen spaces.
Support and lead team members, demonstrating correct procedures and identifying areas for support.