Lead Cook

Job Description

Job Description

OVERVIEW:

The Lead Cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and implementing nutritious, well-balanced meals for Emmanuel House. This role supervises the Kitchen Helpers and volunteers, assists with staff and volunteer training, and reports directly to the Emmanuel House Director. The Lead Cook also works collaboratively with supervisors and directors across other programs to ensure smooth operations and coordination.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan weekly menus in advance
• Adapt menus based on available donated food and changing ingredients
• Order food and supplies on time based on menu needs
• Maintain accurate inventory and records of supplies and equipment
• Store, label, and rotate all food properly
• Inspect donated food for freshness and discard any questionable items
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen that meets County Health Code requirements
• Follow proper procedures when using kitchen equipment and appliances
• Schedule and oversee a monthly deep cleaning of the kitchen
• Recruit volunteers to assist in kitchen operations
• Train and supervise the Kitchen Helpers and volunteers
• Submit required reports, statistics, menus, and evaluations
• Pick up food donations from assigned vendor locations when needed
• Follow proper food handling, transportation, and vehicle safety procedures during donation pickups
• Plan, prepare, and coordinate daily meals for Emmanuel House programs and residents
• Ensure meals are prepared, delivered, and served on schedule
• Plan and prepare weekends, holidays, and special event meals
• Prepare special monthly birthday dinners as requested
• Support emergency feeding operations during disaster response events

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Valid CA Driver’s license (required)
• Experience cooking on a professional food service level (3 years required)
• Food Handler’s Certificate (required within first 30 days of employment)
• Experience in a professional kitchen enviro

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to plan and develop menus
• Ability to creatively utilize donated food in meal planning and preparation

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Modern Office Equipment and Relevant Software
• Relevant kitchen equipment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate preventative maintenance of kitchen equipment
• Report equipment problems or repair needs

ADA Statement

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

Acknowledgment of Religious Purposes of The Salvation Army:

Please note that The Salvation Army has a religious purpose and status as a church. We ask our employees that they do nothing to their relationship with The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission. Employees must agree and understand that their services are a necessary part of The Army’s religious purposes and their work-related conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such religious programs or The Army’s religious purposes.

At-Will:

Any employment relationship with this organization is of an “at-will” nature, which means that an Employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge an Employee at any time with or without cause. It is further understood that this “at will” employment relationship may not be changed by any written document or by conduct unless such change is specifically acknowledged in writing by an authorized executive of this organization.