Cook/Kitchen Manager

About the PositionWe are seeking a dependable, organized, and compassionate Cook/Kitchen Manager for our small 15-bed assisted living community. This is a hands-on, independent position ideal for someone who enjoys cooking homemade-style meals, building relationships with residents, and taking pride in maintaining a clean, organized kitchen.

The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing the kitchen independently while working closely with the community director and caregiving staff to ensure residents receive nutritious, appealing meals and snacks while maintaining compliance with state regulations and food safety standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve daily breakfast and lunch meals for residents

• Prepare or pre-stage dinner items for evening staff

• Plan and organize simple, nutritious menus

• Order food and kitchen supplies within budget guidelines

• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, and organization

• Properly label, date, rotate, and store food items in compliance with food safety requirements and Wisconsin assisted living regulations (HFS 83)

• Monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures and maintain required logs

• Ensure compliance with food handling, sanitation, and infection control standards

• Maintain organized food inventory and communicate supply needs proactively

• Accommodate dietary needs, texture modifications, and resident preferences as directed

• Work cooperatively with caregiving staff and management team

• Help create a warm, welcoming dining experience for residents

Qualifications

• Prior cooking or kitchen management experience preferred

• Experience in assisted living, healthcare, senior living, hospitality, school, or restaurant settings is helpful

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization standards

• Familiarity with assisted living or healthcare kitchen requirements is preferred

• Ability to work independently and stay organized

• Dependable attendance and strong time management skills

• Positive attitude and team-oriented approach

• Ability to multitask in a small, fast-paced environment

What We're Looking ForWe are looking for someone who is reliable, calm under pressure, self-motivated, and takes ownership of their kitchen. The right candidate will enjoy creating quality meals while helping support a positive environment for residents and staff.