Lead Cook/Sous Chef

Position: Lead Cook/Sous Chef The Lead Cook/Sous Chef, reporting directly to the Dining Services Director, assists in managing the daily operations of the kitchen and dining services. This role supports meal preparation, staff training, inventory management, and food safety compliance to ensure residents consistently receive high-quality dining experiences. By coordinating with the Dining Services Director, the Lead Cook/Sous Chef helps maintain kitchen organization, oversees food handling and sanitation standards, and provides leadership coverage in the Director’s absence. This position plays a key role in upholding Cedarhurst dining programs, supporting special events, and promoting resident satisfaction through excellence in food service. About Cedarhurst Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and personalized services. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Cedarhurst creates vibrant environments where seniors can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. Why Work for Cedarhurst At Cedarhurst, our core values guide how we work together and how we care for those we serve. We expect every team member to be passionate, trustworthy, empathetic, positive, respectful, and approachable. Being part of Cedarhurst means making a meaningful difference every day. We believe our team is our greatest strength. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training, as well as opportunities for both personal and professional growth. We’re committed to promoting from within and supporting team members who want to build their careers with us. Cedarhurst offers a competitive benefits package, including medical insurance, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, and a 401(k) plan with company match (after one year of service) for eligible employees. At Cedarhurst, we go beyond the standard benefits program to recognize and support our team. Along with comprehensive benefits, we offer GROW Points—a unique rewards system that celebrates your hard work and dedication. You’ll also enjoy perks like exclusive Skechers shoe discounts, early paycheck access, and more! Essential Functions 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 dining team. Instruct all team on operation, maintenance, and cleaning of all dining services equipment. Exhibit thorough knowledge of and conduct hands‑on training of staff on all food service positions and proper food handling. Assist in ensuring food is properly prepared, portioned and served and monitors all food items to ensure the guidelines for temperature, taste and quality are upheld. Remain current and up to date 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 all catering, room service, special party needs, marketing functions, etc. Demonstrate a working knowledge of all dining service shifts and be familiar with individual assignments and resident dining needs. Cover shifts in the absence of Dining Services Director. Develop schedules and place orders as needed. Attend community leadership meetings as needed. Learn and implement Cedarhurst dining programs. Maintain safety standards as outlined by Cedarhurst guidelines for infection control. Utilize basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, rations, and proportions to practical situations. Maintain appropriate food temperatures by ensuring proper cooling/heating procedures are followed and equipment is working properly. Ensure effective communication is being utilized by community staff with the residents’ families concerning residents’ care, encompassing their physical, personal, and emotional wellbeing. Work well with others and take direction from management, as well as taking initiative with the capability to engage in conflict intervention and resolution for residents, families, employees, and others as needed. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications High School Diploma or equivalent required. Two (2) years experience working 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 This position may need to walk or stand for extended periods and move throughout the community, resident apartments, and other areas of the community. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, as well as climb or balance. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to communicate effectively and identify/interpret written information. This position may need to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently, and up to 200 pounds with assistance. Individuals in this position are required to follow all infection prevention and control protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, to ensure the health and safety of residents, staff, and visitors. This role involves actively participating in all staff activities aimed at fostering teamwork, unity, and morale. The individual will contribute as a collaborative team player, working alongside colleagues to create a supportive and cohesive work environment. Individuals in this position are required to stay current on all training and ongoing education initiatives. They are expected to actively pursue self‑improvement and embrace opportunities for continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Cedarhurst considers the health and safety of its residents, family members, and team members as its highest priorities. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening, participation in required health assessments (such as TB testing or physical evaluations), and the use of designated personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr