Lead Cook - Full Time - Morning Shift

Company: Ridgecrest Ministries
Location: Black Mountain
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: Our Lead Cook plays a vital role in supporting our culinary operations by ensuring our kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. As part of our Culinary Team, you’ll assist in preparing ingredients, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and supporting our cooks in creating high-quality meals for our guests. You’ll be responsible for setting up workstations, preparing food, using kitchen utilities and performing basic cooking tasks in alignment with food safety standards. Flexibility is key as duties may vary based on the needs of the kitchen and guest volume Our facility serves thousands of guests annually, providing three meals a day during their stay. Your behind-the-scenes contributions will directly impact the guest experience, helping create meals that are served with excellence and care. Serving in our Mission: Impacting lives for God's glory through Purposeful Hospitality! This position will be for our A.M. Shift - Typically starting at 5 a.m. Position Duties Prepare ingredients for daily meals including washing, chopping, portioning, and storing food items. Assist in basic cooking tasks (grilling, baking, sautéing) under the direction of chefs and kitchen leads. Follow recipes and preparation procedures with consistency and care. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment at all times. Follow all health department regulations and internal food safety guidelines, including proper food storage and labeling. Assist in cleaning kitchen equipment, utensils, and prep areas throughout shifts. Set up food service stations with prepped items and supplies as needed for meal periods or events. Support buffet lines, banquets, and plated meal service during peak times or large guest groups. Work with a team mindset, jumping in to assist wherever needed—whether on the line, in the dish room, or with food storage. Monitor stock levels of ingredients and kitchen supplies and communicate needs to supervisors. Help receive and store deliveries, rotating stock and ensuring freshness of ingredients. Other Duties as Assigned Requirements: No prior experience required; we provide training on all tasks and responsibilities. Reliable form of transportation Ability to work weekends Preferred Qualifications Strong attention to detail and ability to follow cleaning protocols. Basic understanding of kitchen equipment and cleaning supplies. Comfortable working around food, cleaning products, and kitchen machinery. Interact positively with other team members and guests Willing to learn and work in different areas of the Food Service team Must be flexible, dependable, and organized Able to perform duties in a manner reflecting good stewardship of time and resources Able to work in a high volume setting with the goals of accuracy, speed of service, and food safety Physical Requirements High School Diploma (recommended) Cafeteria, catering, or quick service experience (2 years preferred) Ability to work efficiently and quickly in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow cleaning protocols. Basic understanding of kitchen equipment and cleaning supplies. Comfortable working around food, cleaning products, and kitchen machinery. Interact positively with other team members and guests Willing to learn and work in different areas of the Food Service team Must be flexible, dependable, and organized Able to perform duties in a manner reflecting good stewardship of time and resources Able to work in a high volume setting with the goals of accuracy, speed of service, and food safety

Keywords: Ridgecrest Ministries, Hickory , Lead Cook - Full Time - Morning Shift, Hospitality & Tourism , Black Mountain, North Carolina