Kitchen Lead

Details:


Hospitality Staffing Solutions (HSS) is recognized as the largest national hospitality staffing company today serving over 900 hotels nationwide. Our commitment to quality in servicing hospitality clients has earned HSS the trust and respect of the best hotel brands in the business. We are committed to finding and placing the best hospitality talent in the industry!

HSS is seeking a Kitchen Lead for our client located in the Burien, WA area.

Compensation: $38.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Kitchen Lead supports and oversees the daily operations of the kitchen and kitchen staff. This position is responsible for coordinating food preparation and cooking, assisting with ordering supplies, monitoring inventory levels, and helping ensure efficient day-to-day kitchen operations.

The Kitchen Lead also provides hands-on job skills training and guidance to individuals participating in the kitchen program. This includes mentoring participants in practical workplace and life skills such as food preparation, kitchen safety, organization, teamwork, and time management.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with menu preparation and the procurement and ordering of food and associated supplies, consistent with quality and budgetary objectives.
• Order materials, supplies, and ingredients based on operational needs and demand.
• Monitor inventory levels and perform weekly inventory assessments.
• Ensure procurement and purchasing practices follow established organizational procedures and industry best practices.
• Ensure meals are well-balanced, nutritious, appealing, and prepared according to established standards.
• Consult with a dietitian, as needed, to ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines and special dietary requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and orderly kitchen and food storage areas.
• Ensure food products and kitchen operations comply with applicable health and safety regulations.
• Establish and maintain regular kitchen cleaning standards and verify that sanitation requirements are consistently followed.
• Ensure the BBQ grill is degreased weekly.
• Assist with maintaining weekly and monthly cost reports.
• Provide hands-on instruction, coaching, and job skills training to individuals participating in the kitchen program.
• Mentor participants in workplace and life skills, including food preparation, organization, teamwork, kitchen safety, and time management.
• Be available to work weekends and evenings as needed to support kitchen operations and meet applicable deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assist with training, coaching, and overseeing kitchen staff and program participants.
• Organize daily workflow and ensure team members understand assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Monitor productivity and provide constructive feedback and coaching.
• Help address concerns and resolve day-to-day operational issues.
• Maintain appropriate timekeeping and documentation related to employee discussions.
• Assist with coordinating and scheduling employee work shifts.

Requirements

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the role.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in Food Service, Culinary Arts, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a commercial kitchen environment, preferably including food purchasing, ordering, inventory, or food and beverage procurement responsibilities.
• Demonstrated culinary experience with the ability to lead and support others in a kitchen environment.
• Experience with volume food preparation, menu development, portion control, and food preservation.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Previous experience training, teaching, mentoring, or coaching others is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong foundation of culinary knowledge and kitchen operations.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation and hygiene standards, applicable regulations, and dietary requirements.
• Ability to effectively teach, coach, and mentor individuals with varying levels of kitchen experience.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within and across teams.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-management abilities.
• Ability to provide clear direction while maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment.
• Knowledge of recovery and addiction approaches and the ability to support a positive learning environment for individuals participating in treatment programs is preferred.

Certificates and Licenses

• Food Handler's Certificate.
• ServSafe Certification preferred.
• Current valid driver's license and an approved driving record that meets company insurance requirements.
• Ability to obtain CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, drug screening, and TB testing for work around children and vulnerable adults.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described below represent the typical activities and surroundings of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is typically performed in a large commercial kitchen environment that may be hot and steamy and includes exposure to heating appliances, hot food, hot water, and hot surfaces. The noise level may range from moderate to loud. Environmental conditions may include fumes or airborne particles, steam, electrical equipment, and cleaning and sanitizing chemicals.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly lift items weighing 5, 10, or 20 pounds, including pots, pans, platters, and food products, and may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand for prolonged periods, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally be required to sit, climb, balance, taste, or smell.

Benefits

Join our team and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:

• Healthcare: Company-paid medical insurance, along with dental and vision coverage and employer-sponsored wellness programs.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and flexible scheduling where applicable.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Professional Development: Access to training opportunities, conferences, and tuition reimbursement for relevant coursework.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on a variety of products and services, including travel, entertainment, and technology.

You can apply for this position or any additional positions by visiting:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Hospitality Staffing Solutions (HSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications-without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.