Lead Cook

Job Description

Sick and tired of working nights and weekends. Then this is the role for you? This role is ideal for a passionate culinary professional seeking to advance their career in hospitality

We are looking for a dedicated and efficient cook with experience preparing high-quality meals in fast-paced environments. Proven ability to meet strict dietary and scheduling requirements while maintaining exceptional food safety and presentation standards. Skilled in batch cooking, menu execution, and working collaboratively with kitchen staff to ensure timely service for meetings, events, and daily employee meals. Seeking a role with consistent daytime hours and nights/weekends off to support work-life balance without compromising culinary excellence.

You will be responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen while ensuring that all food safety and sanitation guidelines are followed.

Assist in Kitchen Operations: Work closely with the team to oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely preparation of all menu items.

Quality Control: Ensure that every dish leaving the kitchen meets the restaurant's quality standards in terms of presentation, taste, and portion size.

Sanitation & Safety Compliance: Ensure that all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation practices are strictly adhered to, in compliance with local and state health regulations.

Lead by Example: Serve as a role model for the kitchen staff by demonstrating strong culinary skills, professionalism, and a positive work ethic.

Handle Special Events: Assist in planning and execution of special events, banquets, or private functions as required.

Portions daily events, organized neatly on the appropriate cart, while checking the completion of the event.

Assist in Taranto’s commissary needs (make dressing, portioning, slicing).

Daily kitchen clean up(table, floors, sinks, etc.). Routine kitchen equipment maintenance and upkeep.

Occasionally, drop-off or serve an event.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Ability to serve as stand in for call offs company wide- if necessary, based on capabilities

QUALIFICATIONS:

Proven experience as a cook or similar role in a high-volume catering establishment or restaurant

Knowledge of various cooking techniques, international cuisines, and willingness to learn

Excellent time management, organization, and communication skills.

Ability to work under pressure and deliver consistent results in a fast-paced environment.

A culinary school degree or equivalent experience is highly desirable, but not required.

Food Safety Manager Certification or equivalent preferred

Self - motivated

REQUIRED SKILLS/PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

Advanced Knife Skills: Demonstraiting cutting, chopping, slicing, dicing, and julienning. Ability to maintain consistent size and shape of ingredients for uniform cooking and presentation. Proficient in deboning, filleting, and other specialized cuts.

Endurance & Physical Stamina: Ability to work long hours in a standing position, with the endurance to handle physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy items and working in high-heat environments.

Able to work with or with out a recipe, and do culinary math

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Serve Safe

Valid Driver’s License

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

This position requires long hours in a fast-paced kitchen environment, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Physical demands include standing for extended periods, lifting heavy objects, and handling sharp kitchen tools.Company Description

At Bento's, we live by our mission and core values.

Mission Statement: We deliver exceptional food and service with passion and integrity.

Core Values

Do the Right Thing

Service First

Respect Always

Together we Thrive

Full-time