Lead Cook - Hospital

Lead Cook - Hospital

Lead Cook - Hospital | Location: Fresno Metropolitan Area

Compensation: $26-$28.50 per hour DOE | Full-Time

Schedule: Evening shift with weekend rotation.

Job Summary

As a Lead Cook, you'll help lead kitchen operations in a children's hospital, preparing nourishing, high-quality meals that support healing while delivering an exceptional dining experience for patients, families, staff, and visitors. Guided by our REAL Food philosophy, you'll champion scratch cooking, wholesome ingredients, and culinary excellence while overseeing food preparation, mentoring team members, and ensuring compliance with dietary requirements, food safety standards, and cost controls. Your leadership and passion for creating fresh, flavorful meals will help foster a culture of care, wellness, and hospitality throughout the hospital.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily kitchen operations, coordinating food production schedules and assigning tasks to ensure timely meal service for tray line, cafeteria, and catering.
• Assist the Food Service Director with cafe upkeep.
• Help out stations on the line during service.
• Mentor and train cooks and food service staff, fostering skill development and adherence to standards.
• Review menus, verify recipes, and monitor food presentation to maintain high standards of taste, appearance, and nutrition.
• Enforce sanitation, safety, and ServSafe® protocols; ensure proper food storage, labeling, and rotation.
• Place storeroom orders and oversee supply acquisition, maintaining accurate inventory levels and documenting usage to control costs.
• Communicate operational needs, equipment repairs, and process improvement recommendations to supervisors.
• Evaluate kitchen workflows and implement strategies for efficiency and quality enhancement.
• Prepare and cook meals using progressive techniques, ensuring dietary requirements and resident satisfaction.
• Provide support for special events and catering.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Will Bring

• Minimum 2–3 years of professional cooking experience, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or lead role.
• Customer service experience and a knack for interacting positively with guests.
• High School Diploma/GED required; culinary training preferred.
• ServSafe® Certification and State Food Handlers Card.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage inventory and control food costs.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen.
• Physical capability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• This job involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and a kitchen environment with fumes, airborne particles, and moderate noise. Employees must have the physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift trays, and perform repetitive tasks. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and vibration may occur. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our communities.

What We Offer!

Life/Work Integration

• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Baby Bonding Leave
• Paid Elder Care Leave
• Paid Time Off (Accrued)
• Holiday Premium Pay

Health & Wellness

• 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross)
• Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost)
• Voluntary HSA with Company Match
• Voluntary FSA
• Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support)
• Access to Wellness Initiatives (Fitness Memberships, etc.)

Financial Wellness

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D

Plus

• A supportive, collaborative work environment
• Opportunities for growth

Who We Are

Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.

Our commitment to you

At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.

REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.