Lead Cook
Vin-Chet Kitchen is seeking an experienced, dependable Lead Cook to oversee daily kitchen execution and work alongside our kitchen team. This is a hands-on position for someone who can consistently prepare quality food, maintain an organized kitchen, and provide calm, clear direction during service.
The Lead Cook will direct one Prep Cook while working closely and communicating with all Vin-Chet Kitchen employees.
Schedule
- Full-time, 40 hours per week
- Tuesday through Saturday
- 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- 30-minute unpaid meal break
- Currently closed Sundays and Mondays
Compensation
- $18–$25 per hour
- Starting wage within the range will be based on relevant experience, cooking ability, and leadership qualifications
Benefits and Perks
- One free meal per shift
- 20% employee discount at Vin-Chet Bakery and Vin-Chet Kitchen
Responsibilities
- Prepare chicken, beef, soups, and other menu items according to established recipes and standards
- Safely and proficiently operate a flat-top grill, charcoal grill, stove, and oven
- Cook proteins to the correct temperature and degree of doneness
- Coordinate preparation and cooking so orders are accurate, properly timed, and served at the correct temperature
- Create daily prep lists and assign responsibilities to the Prep Cook
- Direct and support kitchen employees during preparation and service
- Train employees on recipes, portioning, equipment use, sanitation, and kitchen procedures
- Reinforce standards for food quality, consistency, cleanliness, organization, and portion control
- Communicate clearly with counter and kitchen employees throughout the day
- Monitor food inventory and place vendor orders as needed
- Properly label, date, rotate, cool, reheat, and store food
- Monitor waste and help control food and portion costs
- Collaborate with management to develop new recipes, menu items, and specials
- Maintain established recipes and receive management approval before implementing menu changes
- Complete and oversee kitchen opening and closing procedures
- Ensure compliance with food-safety, sanitation, and allergen-control procedures
- Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked workstations
- Assist with preparation, cleaning, and dishwashing when needed
- Bring employee performance or disciplinary concerns to management
Required Qualifications
- At least three years of professional cooking experience
- Demonstrated proficiency with a flat-top grill, charcoal grill, stove, and oven
- Current food-safety certification
- Strong knowledge of cooking temperatures, timing, doneness, sanitation, and safe food handling
- Ability to organize and manage multiple cooking and preparation tasks
- Ability to read, follow, and consistently reproduce recipes
- Dependable attendance and punctuality
- Clear, respectful communication skills
- Ability to provide direction, training, and constructive correction
- Ability to remain composed and organized during busy service periods
- Willingness to work alongside the team and assist wherever needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience as a Lead Cook, Shift Leader, Kitchen Supervisor, or similar position
- Previous experience training or directing kitchen employees
- Experience creating prep lists, monitoring inventory, and placing vendor orders
- Experience developing recipes, menu items, or specials
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and move throughout the scheduled shift
- Ability to work safely around grills, ovens, hot surfaces, knives, and other commercial kitchen equipment
- Ability to bend, reach, and perform repetitive cooking and preparation tasks
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to work effectively in a hot and active commercial kitchen
Job Location
Vin-Chet Kitchen
2182 Kensington Avenue
Snyder, NY 14226
Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
