Cook I/Lead Cook - Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Waldorf Astoria Kuwait • Des Moines, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Hilton Des Moines Downtown is looking for their next Lead Cook! Join our team at a hotel connected directly to the Des Moines Skywalk system and the Iowa Events Center, less than a mile from the Historic East Village and Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater, with a free shuttle covering the six-mile ride to the airport for easy commuting — all at a property featuring an indoor pool and al fresco courtyard with fireplace seating, right in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Our ideal candidate is a culinary school graduate with 3-4 years of high-volume scratch kitchen experience. They possess strong communication skills and are eager to learn and grow within the culinary field. Shift Pattern: Mornings, 5am - 1:30pm. Open availability required. 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You. Picture yourself brightening someone’s day. When you join our Hotels team, that’s exactly what you’ll do every time you come to work! As a Lead Cook, you’re not just preparing great tasting food items – you’re spreading the light and warmth of hospitality by delivering memorable experiences that make the stay for every guest.

Requirements

• Culinary school graduate
• 3-4 years of high-volume scratch kitchen experience
• Strong communication skills
• Eager to learn and grow within the culinary field
• Open availability required

Responsibilities

• Prepare menu items according to designated recipes and quality standards
• Manage guest orders efficiently while ensuring a positive dining experience
• Maintain a strong knowledge of menu offerings, handle complex recipes, and oversee stations, execution, quality control and inventory checks
• Inspect all preparations and dishes ahead of serving to ensure they meet quality and presentation standards
• Keep food service stations stocked and sanitary while following proper food handling, storage, and safety protocols
• Coordinate timing and plating, manage/direct cooks during shifts, assist with inventory checks, ordering, shift briefings and some special features
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness regulations, ensuring the highest standards of guest and team member well-being

Benefits

• 110 nights of deeply discounted travel, with room rates as low as $40/night at our world-class hotels through our Go Hilton travel program
• Employee stock purchase program (ESPP) with a 15% discount
• Paid parental leave for eligible Team Members, including partners and adoptive parents
• Personalized caregiving support
• Crisis concierge services
• Mental health resources through Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Health & welfare benefits
• Retirement plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree