Cook Lead

Mercy Hospital St. Louis St. Louis MO

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.