Lead Cook - Full Time Nights

Mercy Hospital St. Louis | St. Louis, MO

Job Summary

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Cook to join our Nutrition Services team. This full-time leadership role is responsible for coordinating daily food production activities, preparing high-quality hot and cold food items, ensuring food safety and sanitation standards are consistently met, and providing guidance and training to Nutrition Services coworkers. The Lead Cook serves as a role model for the team, promotes a positive work environment, and helps ensure exceptional food service for patients, visitors, and coworkers.

This position is currently supporting the overnight shift and plays a critical role in maintaining efficient operations, quality standards, and excellent customer service throughout the hospital.

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Support

• Serve as a lead resource for Nutrition Services staff, providing coaching, training, and day-to-day guidance.
• Assist with onboarding and training new coworkers.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration across shifts while promoting a respectful and professional work environment.
• Serve as a liaison between management and frontline staff.
• Monitor productivity and workflow to ensure efficient departmental operations.
• Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and adherence to departmental standards.

Food Production & Quality

• Prepare hot and cold food items according to standardized recipes and production schedules.
• Demonstrate knowledge of regular and modified diets to support patient nutritional needs.
• Ensure foods are attractively presented and meet quality expectations.
• Monitor production levels and make adjustments to minimize overproduction and waste.
• Assist with recipe development and menu execution as assigned.
• Support special events and catering functions when needed.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all food safety, infection prevention, and sanitation standards.
• Demonstrate safe handling of food, supplies, and kitchen equipment.
• Monitor and document food and equipment temperatures according to policy.
• Utilize proper food storage and inventory rotation procedures, including FIFO practices.
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment using "clean as you go" principles.
• Support departmental readiness for health inspections and quality audits.

Communication & Customer Service

• Maintain professional, courteous, and respectful interactions with patients, visitors, coworkers, and leadership.
• Communicate effectively regarding food quality, production concerns, and equipment issues.
• Accept and provide constructive feedback to support continuous improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all hospital policies and procedures.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all Mercy safety policies, including fire, severe weather, infection prevention, and environmental safety procedures.
• Follow incident reporting and risk management protocols.
• Maintain compliance with patient rights and confidentiality regulations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and safe workplace practices.

Qualifications

Required

• Serve Safe Manager Certification within 90 days of hire (St. Louis market requirement).
• Ability to operate commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, slicers, and food processors.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Preferred

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous hospital, healthcare, or institutional food service experience.
• Prior leadership, lead, or training experience in food service.
• Knowledge of therapeutic diets, food production systems, and inventory management.

Why Join Mercy?

At Mercy, we believe in careers that match the unique gifts of each coworker. Our mission-centered culture combines compassionate care with an exceptional workplace environment where coworkers are valued, supported, and empowered to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.