Lead Cook

Lead Cook - FT

At MBK Senior Living, we're committed to putting people first – our residents and team members. Exceeding expectations and enriching lives drives our day-to-day. And it's all powered by Yoi Shigoto, a Japanese concept that translates to "good, quality work." It's more than a mantra. It's part of our company-wide commitment to build trust, set high standards, and develop potential in ourselves and others!

Whether you're looking for a flexible, part-time job or the pathway to a lasting career, you'll find it here at MBK Senior Living–and a whole lot more! When you join the MBK Senior Living team, you'll enjoy:

• Impacting lives and building lasting relationships

• Executing exceptional signature programs in dining, fitness, wellness, and care
• A supportive community team that encourages personal and professional growth and celebrates your success
• A fun-filled, energetic environment that's centered in hospitality and high-quality service

• Competitive salaries

• Leadership Development, Live In-Person Training, Virtual Training, Individual & Group Trainings

All Team Members

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 4%
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and household members
• Financial and legal services
• Educational Loan Assistance & Scholarships
• Team Member Discount Programs
• Resources to support your physical, emotional, and financial wellness
• Free meal per shift

Additional Benefits for Full-Time Team Members

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Multiple medical plan options, including a Health Savings Account (HSA)-eligible plan with company contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care)
• Commuter Benefits
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Disability benefits (where applicable and subject to state-specific programs and eligibility requirements)
• Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

If you're looking for a place where you can make an impact, find purpose and joy, and receive the training, tools, and support to reach your career goals – look no further, apply today!

Job Description

Lead cook, FT with variable schedule including weekends and holidays. Two years fine dining experience required. Lead experience required, this role will be working closely with our sous chef. Pay DOE.

Job Summary:

The Cook is the heart of our kitchen, providing delicious and healthy meals that delight residents. The Cook is responsible for properly preparing all food items in accordance with the recipes and planned menus, ensuring every dish is high-quality, fresh, and flavorful. The Cook oversees the Dining Services Department under the direction of the Executive Chef or Director of Dining Services, positively impacting residents' lives by contributing to their well-being every day.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare all food items in accordance with planned menus and recipes provided, ensuring high-quality, appealing meals that are appetizing, nutritional, and meet special dietary requests or requirements.
• Prepare menu items per standardized recipes, ensuring proper stocking and inventory use.
• Prepare food in accordance with all governmental, sanitary, and dietitian regulations as well as established policies and procedures, immediately reporting any infractions to the Director of Dining Services.
• Take care of food orders when they arrive in a timely manner and ensure all food is served at the correct temperature and charted as such.
• Ensure consistent and proper portion sizes, garnishment, and food presentation to maintain quality standards.
• Interact professionally and respectfully with residents, guests, and staff, taking feedback on meal quality, portions, or variety.
• Consult with the Director of Dining Services or Executive Chef on any menu changes or substitutions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation, ensuring that food storage, preparation, and kitchen areas comply with local, State, and Federal food-handling and safety regulations, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards.
• Safely operate all kitchen equipment, recording temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers, and reporting any maintenance issues to the supervisor.
• Responsible for safe storage, proper labeling with expiration dates, efficient use, and proper disposal of all items within the kitchen’s inventory (i.e., ingredients, supplies, and leftovers), in accordance with established policies, and to minimize waste and ensure freshness.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for staff, residents, and guests following established safety standards, policies, and procedures. 
• Understand and comply with Federal, State, and local regulations, and company policies and procedures concerning the department. 
• Promote a spirit of teamwork and open communication through consistent coaching and recognition program utilization, in alignment with MBK principles and core values. 
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned or requested by the Director of Dining Services, Sous Chef, and/or Executive Director.

Education Requirements:

• High School Diploma or the equivalent (GED).
• Current Food Handler’s Certification/Permit, required.
• Current ServSafe Certification required.
• Culinary Arts degree or formal vocational training from an accredited institution, preferred.

Experience Requirements (in years):

• 2+ years of work experience with cooking, food preparation, food purchasing, kitchen safety, sanitation, and menu preparation in a similar environment/industry.

Required Competencies/Licenses/Certifications:  

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must demonstrate the ability to prepare a variety of foods using different cooking methods.
• Must have working knowledge of food safety, handling, and sanitation procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and complete a full meal preparation schedule within designated timeframes.
• Must complete Background clearances, health screening, and provide negative TB test results within 7 days of employment (must be within the last 6 months).
• Must have excellent communication skills, including the ability to speak, write, and read English, and follow written and spoken directions.
• Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, Excel, and Outlook) and operating standard office equipment
• Must possess the ability to always deal tactfully and professionally with personnel, residents, family members, and guests.
• Must present a positive and professional image.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

• Must be mobile and able to perform the physical requirements of the job, including standing for prolonged periods, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, pulling, reaching overhead, and repetitive motion.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the day and in the community.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 250 pounds, as necessary.
• Must be able to work in an environment with temperature variations.
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Inspiring people, creating experiences, and supporting goals are just a few ways MBK Senior Living creates a positive work environment. It's how we support our team members, serve our residents, and achieve our pursuit – to be the senior living provider of choice in each market we serve.

MBK Senior Living has pursued this goal for more than 30 years. Currently, the company owns and operates 35 Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care services in senior living communities throughout the Western United States. We’re proud to have been ranked among the Top 50 "Best Workplaces in Aging Services" by Fortune magazine and certified as a “Great Place to Work” by the Great Place to Work Institute since 2017. 

MBK is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected reason.  Our company is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for qualifying individuals in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]. 

Regulatory Disclosures for Senior Living Communities with Medicaid Residents:   An “Excluded Party” is a person that the federal or state government found not eligible to provide care and services in a facility that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding.  If employed at one of our senior living communities that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding, team members must not be considered an “Excluded Party” as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, any state Medicaid Programs, and any additional federal and state government contract programs.  If, as a team member, you learn that you are an Excluded Party at any time, you must present your Excluded Party notice letter to your supervisor immediately.  

Other Regulatory Requirements:  If employed at one of our senior living communities, team members must continually comply with certain laws and regulations that impact the company, including, but not limited to, as applicable, state licensing regulations, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Resident Rights as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and any other federal or state laws relating to team members’ professional licenses.

HIPAA Disclosure:

All Team Members prior to commencing employment and once employed must not be considered an “Excluded Party” as defined by the Medicare and state Medicaid Programs as well as other federal and state government contract programs. If as an associate you learn you are an Excluded Party, you must present your Excluded Party notice letter to your supervisor immediately. An Excluded Party is a person that the federal or state government found not eligible to provide care and services in a Community that receives Medicare or Medicaid funding. In addition, at all times, during your employment, all associates must be in compliance with certain laws and regulations that affect the company, including but not limited to Resident Rights, HIPAA, State licensing regulations, and those laws relating you an associates’ professional license.