Lead Cook - Dresden School Nutrition

Whitsons Culinary Group • Hanover, NH

6h • Onsite

About The Position

Lead the preparation and service of fresh, nutritious meals that fuel student success in a school nutrition team. This role involves leading kitchen operations, guiding team members, overseeing inventory, ensuring food safety, and maintaining accurate records. The position offers a chance to make a direct impact on children's health, focus, and well-being.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of professional culinary experience
• Familiarity with basic cooking techniques, recipe procedures, and food safety
• ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain
• Strong organization and time-management skills
• Ability to lead a kitchen team in a positive, collaborative way
• Passion for preparing healthy meals and helping kids thrive
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must be proficient in recipe procedures and cooking techniques
• Ability to speak and read English sufficient to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements.
• Always presents a positive and professional image
• Ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Genuine interest in school nutrition and student health
• Demonstrates proficiency in cooking techniques, batch cooking, and recipe execution; consistently meets portioning, presentation, and nutritional compliance standards for every meal served.
• Maintains rigorous adherence to HACCP, ServSafe, and all applicable food safety and sanitation standards; completes temperature logs and production records accurately and on time every shift.
• Manages the timing and sequencing of cooking operations to meet meal service deadlines consistently; follows all Whitsons policies, production standards, and assigned schedules with accuracy and dependability.
• Demonstrates care in portioning, temperature monitoring, station setup, signage, and documentation; ensures every station is stocked, clean, and properly maintained throughout the service day.
• Works cooperatively with the Chef Manager and fellow food service workers; contributes to a productive, positive kitchen environment and supports the team in achieving daily service goals.
• Takes pride in the quality and presentation of every meal served; maintains a welcoming, clean, and visually appealing station and understands that student satisfaction and participation are the ultimate measure of success.

Nice To Haves

• School nutrition or institutional food service experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and service of meals according to daily school menus and portion guidelines.
• Organize kitchen operations, ensuring food is safely cooked, beautifully presented, and ready on time.
• Support and guide team members in maintaining a clean, efficient, and friendly kitchen environment.
• Oversee food orders, inventory, and deliveries to keep everything running smoothly.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, sanitation protocols, and allergy accommodations.
• Keep accurate records including production sheets and temperature logs.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with opportunities for advancement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• A welcoming, supportive team environment
• The chance to make a daily impact through food
• Paid Training

What This Job Offers

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