Lead Cook (Hotel Job)

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

Prepare, season, and cook soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other food for both fine dining restaurant patrons and banquet events. The Lead Cook is held accountable for coordinating and directing a staff of cooks. This position serves as a trainer. Trainers are responsible for supervising the learning experiences of students in all areas of The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, The Kirkwood Center for Hospitality Arts and The Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
• Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Inspect food preparation and serving areas to ensure observance of safe, sanitary food-handling practices and adherence to health code.
• Wash, peel, cut, and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.
• Prepare, season, and cook soups, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other food for both fine dining restaurant patrons and banquet events.
• Demonstrate all proficiencies required in a Line Cook II position.
• Substitute for or assist other cooks during emergencies or rush periods.
• Act as manager of the kitchen, in the absence of the Chef or Sous Chef.
• Check food and kitchen supplies; ensure cooking utensils, pans and other equipment are kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
• Assign cleaning duties as needed to all kitchen staff to complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules.
• Ensure kitchen is cleaned and ready for the next shift.
• Ensure all food preparation for the next shift is complete and accurate.
• Record food temperatures, production, and waste on required documentation.
• Assist with schedule accountability.
• Perform other related work duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

• Serve as a professional role model with work ethic, attitude and compliance.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Build positive relationships with staff, students and guests.
• Ability to follow instructions (i.e. menus/recipes) as well as to cook and plan meals.
• Must be able to stand 5-6 hours a day and to squat, reach & bend on a regular basis.
• Must be Knowledge of food storage/handling techniques and relevant health code.
• Requesting or checking in product in timely manner.
• Assist in completing forms for employee and student needs such as injury reports.
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

The following physical conditions and hazards may be encountered while working in this position:

• Indoor environment
• Noise
• Odors
• Extreme temperatures
• Moisture and/or humidity
• Fumes
• Gases
• Poor ventilation
• Burn hazards
• Moving mechanical parts
• Standing over 2/3 of the time.
• Walking over 2/3 of the time.
• Sitting under 1/3 of the time.
• Using hands over 2/3 of the time.
• Reaching with hands and arms over 2/3 of the time.
• Climbing or balancing under 1/3 of the time.
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling under 1/3 of the time.
• Talking or listening over 2/3 of the time.
• Tasting or smelling over 2/3 of the time.
• This position requires lifting: Up to 50 pounds up to 2/3 of the time.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or the equivalent required.
• Commercial kitchen experience or culinary education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

• Preference will be given to those candidates with a post high school degree.
• Preference will be given to those candidates with a minimum of two years full-time experience in a related hospitality setting or the equivalent education and related work experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated kitchen leadership experience.

Organization

Working at Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids is a globally recognized leader in higher education where learner success has always been a focal point. For more than 50 years, Kirkwood faculty and staff have cultivated a welcoming and motivating environment that meets students where they are, and helps them get exactly where they want to be. With one of the lowest tuition in the state, more than 130 programs to choose from, flexible class offerings, and convenient locations across seven counties in Eastern Iowa, Kirkwood makes higher education more accessible for people in all walks of life. Through affordable, innovative educational training and many impactful community partnerships, Kirkwood hopes to continue strengthening the regional workforce for years to come.

As one of Cedar Rapids' top employers, Kirkwood strives to reward employees with a generous benefits package and perks, including:

• Professional development opportunities
• Free use of the Kirkwood Recreation Center
• On campus retail discounts at places like our bookstore, Eagle Tech, cafeteria and hotel (yes, we have a hotel too!)
• Free admission to performing arts and athletic events
• Computer and software purchasing program through Eagle Tech, our Apple-authorized campus store
• Employee tuition discounts and half-price tuition for family members
• Generous leave policies that provide a work-life balance
• Choice of retirement programs and unheard-of employer contribution
• Competitive Total Rewards packages