Production Cook Lead

Position Title: Production Cook Lead

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Sous Chef

Location: Denver

Compensation: $22.25 hourly

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision, a 401(k) retirement plan with a 4.5% company match plus potential additional matching based on tenure, PTO, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid utility days

As the food bank with the largest service area in the contiguous United States, Food Bank of the Rockies is passionate about ensuring every community member has the resources they need to thrive. Supporting our Colorado and Wyoming communities begins with passionate, mission-driven individuals.

The Production Cook Lead supports the Food Bank of the Rockies’ Culinary Kitchen and Food for Kids Team. Food Bank of the Rockies is a sponsor for the USDA Child and Adult Food Program and Summer Food Service Program following nutrition standards. Food Bank of the Rockies provides fresh and frozen unitized meals to various partners, including Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and Afterschool programs. Additionally, provides community meals to Food Bank of the Rockies partner organizations. Our goal is to continue to grow our fresh and frozen unitized meals. The Production Cook Lead coordinates activities in the kitchen and prepares food according to industry standards for proper product handling, storage, and sanitation requirements. Responsible for the inventory levels, controls, and maintenance of all production and work records associated with those functions. Trains and utilizes volunteers to prepare food daily and maintains cooperative & cordial relations.

The Food Bank’s team is dedicated to creating an efficient food distribution network to reduce and help end hunger across the state. Staff are committed to embodying the Food Bank’s organizational values and mission in all activities.

If you are looking for a mission-focused organization where innovation and teamwork are encouraged and new ideas are valued, then this is an ideal position for you.

The mission of Food Bank of the Rockies is to ignite the power of community to nourish people facing hunger. We provide food and necessities to people in need through signature programs and by teaming up with hundreds of Hunger Relief Partners to serve communities across Colorado and Wyoming. We believe that for a community to thrive, every person must have the resources they need to flourish, and we strive to provide proper nourishment for every neighbor.

Primary Responsibilities:

Food Preparation

• Under the supervision of the Executive Chef, assists in the preparation of all Food for Kids meals and Community meals with adherence to nutrition requirements and industry standards for proper product handling.
• Trains and oversees volunteers in all aspects of kitchen activities:
• Sanitation Standards
• Food Industry regulations
• Product handling
• Food Storage

Food and Supplies

• Maintain production and work records
• Maintain running inventory of food and supplies
• Inventory Control

1. Puts away orders
2. Check quantity and quality of received supplies

Administration

• Estimate materials and/or labor requirements
• Inspect facilities and/or equipment for regulatory compliance and safety

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Commitment to fulfilling the Food Bank of the Rockies mission and positively representing the brand both internally and externally
• Team player with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely in an oral and written manner
• Tactful and diplomatic manner in dealing with people
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills
• Strong mathematical skills. Demonstrated ability to do basic kitchen math and knowledge of standard cooking measurements and terminology
• Familiar with Food Safety & Handling Regulations, willing to become Serve Safe Certified
• Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, taking out trash, etc.
• Ensure all food and other items are stored properly
• Comply with nutrition and sanitation guidelines
• Must demonstrate the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines, show initiative
• Proficiency with computers and ability to work with internal programs

• Manual dexterity- able to operate cutting tools and kitchen equipment, utensils
• Patient with an ability to stay positive under pressure

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Commercial kitchen and warehouse environment frequently, shared indoor office environment intermittently
• Standing and walking for long periods, sitting intermittently
• Using office equipment such as a computer, mouse, keyboard, printer
• Frequent use cutting tools, kitchen equipment, and utensils
• Frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds

Required Qualifications:

• High school diplomas or equivalent required
• At least 2 years’ experience as a cook preferred
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers preferred
• Experience with large-quantity cooking and commercial kitchens

Expected Hours of Work:

This non-exempt role is considered full-time, working approximately 40 hours per week in person. Work schedules may vary each week, evenings and Saturdays may be required.

Compensation:

$22.25 hourly

Benefits:

At Food Bank of the Rockies, we provide a fulfilling workplace along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Generous Paid Time Off: Flexible paid time off, including 10 paid holidays, sick leave, parental leave, and opportunities for paid volunteer time.
• Robust Retirement Plan: A 401(k) retirement plan with a 4.5% employer match, plus additional matching based on tenure for a total potential match of up to 8.5%, to support your long-term financial security.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Competitive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans to support your meet your and your family’s needs.
• Bilingual Incentive: A monthly incentive for certified bilingual staff, recognizing and rewarding your valuable language skills.

To Apply:

Apply online through www.foodbankrockies.org/careers . Applications will be accepted until August 11, 2025.

Thinking about applying?

True passion and excitement for making an impact are just as important as work experience.

We encourage you to apply even if you feel you don't check every box in this posting.

Food Bank of the Rockies is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), M/F/D/V/SO. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities in order to participate in the application or interview process. If you require any accommodation, please contact us at ... or ....