Lead Cook/Sous Chef

At Cedarhurst Senior Living, we enrich the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services in vibrant senior living communities.

About the role

The Lead Cook/Sous Chef, reporting to the Dining Services Director, assists in managing daily kitchen and dining operations. This role supports meal preparation, staff training, inventory management, and food safety compliance to ensure residents receive high-quality dining experiences. The Lead Cook/Sous Chef helps maintain kitchen organization, oversees food handling and sanitation standards, and provides leadership coverage in the Director’s absence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and organize kitchen stock and inventory levels in the absence of the Dining Services Director.
• Work with the Dining Services Director to maintain kitchen organization.
• Assist in orientation and continued training of the dining team.
• Instruct all team members on the operation, maintenance, and cleaning of dining services equipment.
• Conduct hands-on training of staff on all food service positions and proper food handling.
• Ensure food is properly prepared, portioned, and served; monitor all food items for temperature, taste, and quality.
• Remain current with all food safety licensing requirements for state, county, and local authorities.
• Assist with proper documentation of temperature logs, refrigeration logs, sanitation logs, and cleaning schedules.
• Support catering, room service, special events, and marketing functions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all dining service shifts, individual assignments, and resident dining needs.
• Cover shifts in the absence of the Dining Services Director.
• Develop schedules and place orders as needed.
• Attend community leadership meetings as required.
• Learn and implement Cedarhurst dining programs.
• Maintain safety standards as outlined by Cedarhurst infection control guidelines.
• Utilize basic mathematical concepts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions) in practical situations.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures and equipment functionality.
• Ensure effective communication with residents’ families regarding care, including physical, personal, and emotional well-being.
• Work collaboratively, take direction from management, and engage in conflict resolution as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Two (2) years of experience in culinary production with food and restaurant knowledge.
• Formal culinary training preferred.
• Food Manager Certification preferred or ability to obtain.
• Applicable state/county licensure preferred.
• CPR or BLS certification preferred.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Working Conditions

• May need to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, including resident apartments.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, or balance.
• Must communicate effectively and interpret written information.
• May need to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently and up to 200 pounds with assistance.
• Must follow infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Actively participate in staff activities to foster teamwork, unity, and morale.
• Stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees.
• GROW Points—a unique rewards system celebrating hard work and dedication.
• Exclusive Skechers shoe discounts.
• Early paycheck access.