Head Cook

Head Cook Center for Creative Living - 4.0 Lawton, OK Job Details Full-time $15 - $18 an hour 1 day ago Qualifications Teamwork Food hygiene Cooking Meal preparation Food safety Full Job Description Job Overview The Center for Creative Living is seeking a dependable, organized, and compassionate Head Cook/Kitchen Manager to lead daily meal preparation for our senior nutrition program in Center for Creative Living. This position plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of older adults by preparing nutritious meals in a welcoming community-centered environment. The Head Cook/Kitchen Manager oversees kitchen operations, meal preparation, food safety compliance, inventory management, and kitchen staff coordination. The ideal candidate is experienced in high-volume cooking, enjoys working with seniors, and can maintain a positive, team-oriented atmosphere while ensuring quality and consistency in all food service operations. CCL serves congregate meals, take-home meals, and supplemental food support programs for adults age 55+, helping reduce senior isolation while promoting nutrition, wellness, and community engagement. Job Summary The Head Cook/Kitchen Manager is responsible for planning, preparing, and supervising daily meal service for senior adults attending the Center for Creative Living. This position manages kitchen operations, ensures food safety compliance, ordering, supervises kitchen staff and volunteers, maintains inventory, food baskets, frozen meals, and supports special events and community meal programs. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, able to manage multiple priorities, and passionate about serving seniors in a respectful and caring environment. Meal Preparation & Service Prepare and oversee nutritious daily meals for senior adults Ensure meals are prepared on time and according to established menus and portion guidelines Assist with special meal programs, holiday meals, and community events Maintain consistency, quality, and presentation of food Kitchen Management Supervise daily kitchen operations and workflow Coordinate kitchen staff and volunteers Maintain kitchen cleanliness and organization Ensure compliance with Oklahoma health department regulations and food safety standards Monitor temperatures, sanitation logs, and food handling procedures Inventory & Purchasing Track inventory levels and kitchen supplies Food ordering and purchasing Minimize waste and manage food rotation/storage Maintain organized storage and labeling systems Compliance & Safety Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and safe kitchen practices Maintain required certifications and documentation Ensure equipment is properly cleaned and maintained Report maintenance or safety concerns promptly Team & Community Support Create a welcoming and respectful environment for seniors, staff, volunteers, and community partners Assist with food basket programs and community outreach initiatives as needed Support the mission of reducing senior isolation through nutrition and community engagement Qualifications Previous experience in commercial, institutional, or high-volume cooking preferred Kitchen management or supervisory experience preferred Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices Ability to work independently and as part of a team Strong organizational and time-management skills Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods Food Handler Permit and/or ServSafe Certification preferred (or ability to obtain) Experience working with senior adults or nonprofit/community programs is a plus Preferred Skills Positive attitude and strong work ethic Dependable attendance Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment Compassionate and respectful communication skills Budget-conscious mindset and inventory awareness

Pay:

$15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person