About this role
Goodwill of Colorado
Applications due by Friday 11/18/2026
Job Description
Pay: $18.12-$18.70
Schedule: Monday - Friday 6:00AM - 2:30PM or 5:30AM - 2:00PM
JOB SUMMARY:
The Lead Production Cook is responsible for preparing large-volume meals for seniors participating in our Clients Nutrition Programs. This position requires an experienced culinary professional who is skilled in bulk food production, follows standardized recipes, and can efficiently coordinate food preparation activities in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
The ideal candidate has experience in high-volume restaurant, institutional, catering, healthcare, school nutrition, or senior dining operations and understands the importance of food safety, consistency, quality, and timely meal service.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Prepare and cook large quantities of food for congregate dining sites, home-delivered meal programs, and special events.
- Execute standardized recipes while maintaining consistency, quality, and portion control.
- Lead daily food production activities and help coordinate kitchen workflow to meet production schedules.
- Ensure all menu items are prepared according to established nutritional and quality standards.
- Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently.
- Assist with food preparation, cooking, cooling, packaging, and storage processes.
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs to supervisors.
- Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
- Ensure proper food handling, temperature monitoring, labeling, and storage procedures.
- Support training and guidance of kitchen staff and volunteers as assigned.
- Assist with cleaning and maintaining kitchen equipment, preparation areas, and storage spaces.
- Work collaboratively with team members to ensure meals are delivered on time and within production goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 1-2 years of experience in high-volume food production or commercial kitchen operations.
- Experience preparing meals in bulk for restaurants, catering companies, healthcare facilities, schools, senior living communities, or similar environments.
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
- Ability to read and follow standardized recipes and production sheets.
- Ability to organize work efficiently and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Supervisory or lead cook experience.
- SERV Safe Food Handler or Food Protection Manager Certification.
- Experience working within nutrition service programs, healthcare, senior services, or nonprofit organizations.
- Familiarity with large-batch cooking, portion control, and meal production planning.
Physical Requirements
Attachment to Job Description
Job Title: 275 – GSS, Service Dept Number: 5450
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Guide to Physical Requirements:
- Continuously (5-8 hours)
- Frequently (3-4 hours)
- Occasionally (1-2 hours)
- Never
LIFTING: (as defined by ADA)
Heavy: 45 lbs & over - CONTINUOUSLY
Moderate: 15-44 lbs - CONTINUOUSLY
Light: 14 lbs & under - CONTINUOUSLY
CARRYING:
Heavy: 45 lbs & over - CONTINUOUSLY
Moderate: 15-44 lbs - CONTINUOUSLY
Light: 14 lbs & under - CONTINUOUSLY
PUSHING/PULLING - CONTINUOUSLY
REACHING:
Above Shoulder - CONTINUOUSLY
At Shoulder - CONTINUOUSLY
Below Shoulder - CONTINUOUSLY
TWISTING - CONTINUOUSLY
BENDING - CONTINUOUSLY
KNEELING/CRAWLING - CONTINUOUSLY
SQUAT - CONTINUOUSLY
CLIMBING:
Use of legs only (stairs) - CONTINUOUSLY
Use of arms & legs (ladders) - CONTINUOUSLY
HEARING - CONTINUOUSLY
VISION:
Visual, close - CONTINUOUSLY
Visual, distant - CONTINUOUSLY
Visual, depth perception - CONTINUOUSLY
HANDS/FINGERS:
Simple grasping - CONTINUOUSLY
Fine Manipulation - CONTINUOUSLY
Repetitive Movements - CONTINUOUSLY
WALKING - CONTINUOUSLY
STANDING - CONTINUOUSLY
SITTING - CONTINUOUSLY
SPEAKING - CONTINUOUSLY
OTHER, please describe –
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.