Lead Cook

Position Summary:

The Lead Cook oversees all daily operations of Cristo Rey Kansas City High School's food service program, ensuring students and staff receive nutritious, appealing, and cost-effective meals in a safe and welcoming environment. This position is responsible for menu planning, meal preparation, food safety compliance, inventory management, budget oversight, and supervision of food service personnel. The Lead Cook supports the mission and values of Cristo Rey Kansas City High School while maintaining high standards of customer service, sanitation, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities :

- Menu Planning: Develop nutritious, cost-effective menus that meet school nutrition standards and accommodate student dietary needs, allergies, and special food requirements.

- Meal Preparation and Production: Prepare and oversee daily meal production to ensure high-quality food, appropriate portioning, and timely service.

- Meal Service Operations: Manage meal service activities, including serving line setup, lunch flow, and maintaining proper food temperatures throughout service.

- Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Maintain a clean, sanitary kitchen environment and ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations, including required inspections and standards.

- Inventory, Purchasing, and Cost Control:
M anage inventory levels, verify deliveries, monitor food and supply costs, and minimize waste through effective inventory controls and menu planning.

- Recordkeeping and Documentation: Maintain accurate temperature logs, sanitation records, inventory records, and other documentation required for food safety, storage, and regulatory compliance.

- Kitchen Equipment Oversight: Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained, safe, operational, and reported for repair when needed.

- Staff Leadership and Scheduling: Lead kitchen staff and volunteers to ensure adequate meal service coverage and efficient operations.

- School and Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and families while promoting healthy eating habits and a welcoming dining environment.

- Special Events Support: Assist with meal and refreshment preparation for school events, staff meetings, donor functions, admissions events, retreats, and other special programs as requested.

- Mission Alignment: Support and uphold the mission, values, and Catholic identity of Cristo Rey Kansas City High School, demonstrating respect for the school's faith-based educational environment and the diverse backgrounds of its students and families.

Required Skills and Abilities:

- Strong knowledge of large-scale food preparation, production, and service operations.

- Thorough understanding of food safety, sanitation, standards, and allergy management practices.

- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

- Effective time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

- Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff.

- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with team members and school staff.

- Ability to maintain accurate inventory, purchasing, and food production records.

- Ability to follow and enforce established workplace safety, sanitation, and operational procedures.

- Commitment to delivering high-quality food service and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment.

- Proficiency in basic computer applications, including email, inventory management, and online ordering systems.

Education and Experience:

- High school diploma or equivalent required.

- Minimum three (3) years of institutional, school, restaurant, or cafeteria food service experience required.

- Culinary training, food service certification, or related coursework preferred.

- Prior lead experience preferred.

Cristo Rey Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, faculty, and staff.