Lead Cook - Senior Living

Foundry Commercial•Winter Park, FL

5d•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, overseeing meal production, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and maintaining a clean kitchen. The Lead Cook will also support and guide kitchen team members, monitor food quality and portion control, and assist the Dining Services Director (DSD) with department operations including staffing, ordering, menu planning, and sanitation. The primary responsibility is to prepare high-quality food that enhances the dining experience for residents and guests, while also assisting 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.
The Community is a drug free workplace; associates are subject to 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.