Lead Cook

The Lead Cook is responsible for aiding in the organization, coordination and supervision of the preparation of hot food production, maintenance of quality and/or portion control, and the maintenance of sanitation and safety standards. The Lead Cook, under the supervision of the Chef, acts as a working supervisor in training, coordinating and evaluating the work of the lower level cooks. Typically, the Lead Cook performs the more difficult production duties and participates in recipe and product development. The Lead Cook assists the Chef by developing departmental goals.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Production

• Acts as working supervisor for food production for menu items.

• Supervises and participates in the quality and quantity preparation of all menu items.

• Reviews menu and helps assign and coordinate daily workload; organizes work areas to ensure ease of operation.

• Checks production sheet against inventory to assure necessary items are on hand; plans for backup items as needed.

• Helps forecast and order food and supplies.

• Aids in forecasting proper quantity preparation for each item served.

• Uses correct methods of preparation and instructs staff in correct methods.

• Ensures products are made to specification and reviews recipes for variances in finished product, including yield, appearance, taste, texture. Consults Chef when corrective action is needed.

• Ensures proper product portioning.

• Coordinates and instructs staff in appropriate sequential production time frames for maximum quality control.

• Responsible for the timely delivery, setup and dispensing of menu items as specified.

• Responsible for proper storage and utilization of leftovers.

• Ensures proper rotation and storage of all products.

• Assists in daily production sheets; responsible for assisting in the completion of production/event records.

• Assists Chef in the research, development and testing of new recipes and menus.

• Attends weekly production meetings.

• Coordinates production and delegations with Chef on a daily basis.

• Has primary responsibility for the cleanliness of the kitchen. 

Customer Satisfaction 

• Maintains good customer relations through attitude, appearance and attention to detail in daily work.

• Maintains consistent high-quality standards; quality-tests every finished product for taste, texture, appearance and temperature.

• Assures that all foods are attractively garnished and appropriately displayed.

• Supervises service line to assure product quality standards are maintained: temperature, appearance, full pans, garnish, portioning.

• Ensures that products are not held longer than establishing holding times.

• Services customer/guest needs with the appropriate sense of business urgency to provide quality service.

• Reports feedback from customer to supervisor and/or area manager.

• Provides input on menu, and special meals in weekly production meetings. 

Personnel

• Assists in the direction, supervision, training and evaluation of cooks and part-time staff. • Sets leadership example by willingness to work all job tasks.

• Provides regular feedback to employees regarding performance.

• Delegates assignments as appropriate and follows up to ensure work is accurate and complete.

• Operates all kitchen equipment and trains others on proper use.

• Responsible for smooth workflow, communication and ideas through a congenial, caring and supportive attitude.

• Ensures that employees understand and adhere to all Dining Services polices and procedures.

• Reports any problems (disciplinary or otherwise) to supervisor. 

Safety and Sanitation 

• Implements and maintains proper safety and sanitation standards in the workplace.

• Supervises employees in proper food handling methods and techniques.

• Coordinates all scheduled cleanup operations.

• In absence of supervisor, responsible for the security of the unit.

• Supervises the energy-efficient operation of equipment. Implements startup/shutdown schedules for equipment.

• Ensures excellent personal hygiene, including care of uniforms, shoes and head covering for all staff.

• Supervises kitchen cleanliness/sanitation during operation.

• Does not participate in unsafe acts and sets a good example for other workers.

• Reports all accidents and/or injuries to supervisor, or to Public Safety in the absence of a supervisor, immediately.

• Reports all equipment maintenance problems to supervisor.

• Ensures that all staff know the location of fire extinguishers and Ansul System pull stations and how to use them. 

University and Dining Services Policies.

• Knows and follows all University and Dining Services policies and procedures.

• Instructs staff regarding Dining Services policies and procedures.