Kitchen Lead, Arleta, Ca

Responsibilities

• Assist Kitchen Manager with daily operations, including opening/closing procedures, staff scheduling, prep schedules and station organization.
• Assist with planning menus, ensuring they are nutritious, cost-effective, and cater to special dietary requirements.
• Assist and manage prepared food items, cook meals while working for a large number of guests.
• Maintain quality and consistency by ensuring all food items are prepared to specification, properly cooked and adhere to recipe standards.
• Aid in staff supervision and training with new hires on equipment and safety protocols.
• Maintain a stringent compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation standards and HACCP procedures in both Kitchen and Dining Hall.
• Manage inventory, food cost, ordering and stocking food supplies while minimizing food waste.
• Aid in maintaining the organization, temperature control and cleanliness of the walk-in cooler and freezer areas.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members to create a supportive and positive dining experience for guests.
• Aid in guiding, educating and collaborating with community partners and internship programs.
• Always follow NHF policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Must have a minimum of 2-3 years of proven work experience in a commercial kitchen, ideally with leadership experience.
• Experience cooking for large groups or high-volume settings.
• Understanding dietary restrictions, food safety protocols, and nutritional needs.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing behavioral challenges or other unique needs.
• Strong approach to cleanliness and directives.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and time-management skills.
• Flexibility to occasionally work an additional day as required
• SERV Safe Certification or equivalent food safety training, preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred; however, not required.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing and walking for long periods of time.
• Frequent bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above the shoulders, twisting, turning, kneeling, and pushing/pulling.
• Frequent lifting/pulling/pushing/moving up to 50 pounds.
• Good dexterity, especially when handling hot pans, sharp utensils and tools.
• Utilize conversational speech for effective verbal communication.
• Noise level is high in some guest care areas. Must be able to hear equipment alarms, overhead pages, and direct verbal communication.
• Must be able to withstand extremely hot or cold environments.
• Ability to safely navigate all areas pertaining to job role.