Lead Cook - Senior Living

Allegro Senior Living•Winter Park, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Allegro Winter Park, a senior living community, is seeking an experienced Lead Cook to manage its culinary program. This role involves setting the standard for food quality, consistency, and presentation, and ensuring all meals meet high standards. The Lead Cook will oversee daily kitchen operations, prepare meals according to menus, ensure compliance with food safety regulations, and maintain a clean kitchen environment. They will also support and guide kitchen team members, monitor food quality, and collaborate with the Dining Services Director (DSD) on various operational aspects including staffing, ordering, preparation, menu planning, and sanitation. The primary responsibility is to prepare high-quality, attractive food for residents and guests, enhancing their dining experience. The Lead Cook will also assist the DSD in managing the department's operations.

Requirements

Lead Cook experience — required
ServSafe Manager Certificate — required
Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and compliance standards
Ability to maintain quality and consistency in a high-volume kitchen environment
Dependable, professional, and takes pride in culinary excellence
Weekend availability required
Must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Must have state specific Food Manager Certification or be able to certify within 30 days of hire.
Must have a positive Criminal Background Screening.
Adherence to the Company Drug Free Workplace policy.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three (3) year food service (or related field) preferred.
Some software and computer skills preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead daily kitchen operations and set the standard for food quality, consistency, and presentation.
Prepare and oversee meal production according to approved menus and recipes.
Ensure strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory requirements.
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficiently run kitchen throughout every shift.
Support and guide kitchen team members, fostering a positive and professional environment.
Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation on every plate.
Prepare delicious and attractive food that is colorful and tastefully presented, making each meal service an exceptional occasion.
Supervise the kitchen under the direction of the DSD.
Maintain kitchen and food preparation areas in a clean and sanitary manner.
Prepare high quality meals consistent with local customs and tastes.
Consistently adhere to the standard recipes, posted approved menus, budgeted costs, and Company policies.
Approach residents and associates in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
Monitor water, food, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures and/or chemical compounds as appropriate to ensure the prevention of food borne illness and the spread of communicable disease.
Work closely with the Lead Server in training and scheduling associates.
Participate in recruitment, selection, and orientation of new DS associates.
Other duties as assigned.