Lead Cook - Assisted Living - Hartford, CT

The McAuley is West Hartford's only Life Plan Community, dedicated to promoting and fostering an independent lifestyle within a comprehensive life care setting. This unique establishment combines compassionate care with a vibrant community spirit, offering residents both comfort and a wealth of opportunities for personal growth. Alongside Saint Mary Home, The McAuley provides an extensive variety of cultural, educational, social, and spiritual programs and activities tailored to meet the diverse interests and needs of its residents. Its commitment to excellence ensures that the community remains a place where individuals can thrive with dignity, support, and meaningful engagement. The Lead Cook position at The McAuley stands as a pivotal role within the Dining Services team. This full-time, rotating shift role is not just about culinary skills but embraces leadership and operational management in a hospitality environment that prioritizes resident satisfaction and wellness. The Lead Cook works closely with the Executive Chef and Director of Dining Services to deliver high-quality, delicious meals that enhance the quality of life for all residents. This role calls for a culinary professional who is passionate about food service, attentive to detail, and deeply committed to maintaining exceptional standards. Responsibilities extend beyond food preparation; the Lead Cook is integral to overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring compliance with sanitation and safety standards, and fostering a positive, productive workplace culture. The role involves supervising and supporting kitchen staff through coaching, counseling, and performance management, ensuring team members are equipped and motivated to deliver their best. Additionally, the Lead Cook collaborates with management to maintain inventory, schedule cleaning duties, and implement operational improvements that enhance efficiency and service quality. This opportunity is ideal for a culinary expert with 5 to 7 years of experience in a high-volume production kitchen, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and seeks to make a meaningful impact through their leadership. Serving as the heart of the culinary operations, the Lead Cook is essential to creating a warm, welcoming dining experience that aligns with The McAuley's mission of compassionate, person-centered care. This position offers a unique chance to contribute to a respected community that values diversity, inclusion, and professional growth, making it a rewarding career choice in the healthcare hospitality sector.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5-7 years in a high-volume hands-on production kitchen
• Experience in inventory management
• Must hold a valid food safety certification (ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Manager)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills
• Adaptability in a fast-paced customer-focused environment
• High level of personal accountability and decision-making ability