Lead Cook

About us**The Waterville Hotel is a small business in Waterville, PA. We are professional, agile, fast-paced, and our goal is to continue adding to our amazing team and deliver quality food and service to our Customers.**Job Summary**We are seeking an experienced lead cook (LLC) to join our kitchen team in providing exceptional dining experiences for our guests. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for creating innovative and delicious dishes, while maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring a seamless operation.**The Ideal Candidate**The lead line cook (LLC) is responsible for all daily aspects of the kitchen to ensure a smooth and speedy service. The LLC will report to and work under the kitchen manager (KM). They will supervise all other line cooks, dishwasher, etc. to ensure all quality standards and guidelines are met on a day-to-day basis. Core focus will be ability to prep and cook food, properly clean and sanitize all surfaces, clean cooking equipment (including fryers, dishes, etc.) and any other task that would be required for an efficient daily service. Also, will act as a fill-in for the KM due to any absences. The LLC must be able to be efficient, adaptable, and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.**Specific Job Responsibilities:**- Dependability -- Work nights, weekends, and holidays- Punctuality -- Be on time for your shifts- Teamwork -- Ability to work well with others especially during stressful periods/rushes- Independent -- Able to work without supervision- Leadership -- Ability to delegate jobs to ensure smooth kitchen operations and train/mentor new/young kitchen personnel- Problem Solving -- Address and resolve issues during service, such as delays or food quality concerns- Equipment - Be able to efficiently and safely use the kitchen equipment**Specific Job Responsibilities: Continued**- Open/Close -- Able to open for beginning of day service along with close properly so the kitchen is clean and ready for the next morning- Prep -- Prepare food and ingredients for the day- Stock -- Ensure the line is stocked for the day along with monitoring inventory levels and coordinating with sous chef to restock/order- Areas -- Able to manage a specific station during service ensuring it is clean, stocked, and organized- Presentation -- Ability to plate dishes according to quality and presentation standards- Coordination -- Ensure timely food preparation by communicating with other line cooks and the chef- Standards -- Ensure all food is prepared to high-quality standards; including taste, appearance, and temperature- Food Safety -- Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines (proper food storage, cleanliness, personal hygiene)- Waste -- Monitor and take actions to minimize food waste- Communication -- Be able to effectively pass on information with other kitchen staff, servers, and management to manage timing and workflow- Assistance -- Help the KM with recipes, menu items, and specials- Organization -- Clean and arrange refrigerator/freezers to make sure items are properly sealed and labeled- FIFO! -- Ensure all items are first in, first out (especially deliveries)**Qualifications**- Proven experience in food preparation and cooking in a restaurant or kitchen environment- Strong food handling and service skills- Familiarity with culinary techniques and knife skills- Experience in dietary departments or as a dietary aide is a plus- Knowledge of menu planning and catering services- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced food industry settingJob Type: Full-timePay: $37,400.00 - $41,600.00 per yearShift:- Day shift- Evening shift- Morning shift Work Location: In person