Lead Chef (Hospital) in Snoqualmie, Washington at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital

At Snoqualmie Valley Health, we’re not just in the business of healthcare; we’re in the business of empowering our community to live boldly and live well. Our commitment to excellence and innovation calls for team members who will build trust, obsess over excellence, lead innovation, and deepen connections within our community. We are guided by our core values, and we’re looking for someone who can embody those principles as part of our dynamic and growing team.

Located in a trailblazing, adventure-loving town at the base of the Cascades, Snoqualmie Valley Health is an independent public hospital district serving a vibrant community that thrives on both adventure and connection. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger.

JOB TITLE: Lead Chef

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Chef leads and coordinates kitchen operations to ensure the timely preparation and service of nutritious, safe, and high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors. This position supervises and supports kitchen employees, assigns daily duties, monitors food production, maintains sanitation and food-safety standards, and ensures meals are prepared according to approved recipes, menus, portion standards, and special dietary requirements. The Lead Chef works closely with dietary and clinical staff to accommodate patient diet orders, allergies, and therapeutic diets while maintaining efficient workflow and cost control.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Build Trust: We exhibit integrity, transparency and compassion in every interaction.

• Lead staff in day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring quality, consistency, and timeliness
• Oversees all kitchen operations in the absence of the executive chef
• Lead service execution during peak periods, ensuring smooth workflow and optimal patient/guest experience.
• Assists with the merit review process by providing input on employee performance
• Guides team through transitions with clear communication and adaptability
• Manages performance, delegates tasks appropriately, provides constructive feedback, and resolves conflict constructively.

Obsess Over Excellence: We have high standards and seek continuous improvement.

• Maintain compliance with food safety standards, health codes, and internal procedures

• Manage and assist line and prep personnel with all recipe production.
• Routinely monitor and assist with closing checklists, temperature logs, HACCP programs.
• Schedules and assigns daily work activities to staff and supervises the completion of tasks.
• Trains and guides staff on job duties, standard food safety and sanitation procedures, cooking methods, etc.
• Invests in personal growth and supports the professional development of team members
• Assists in ensuring full compliance with all Department of Health Dietary regulations

Lead Innovation: We lead with creativity, agility and think bold in our approach.

• Collaborate on cost control strategies, waste reduction, and inventory management.

• Contribute to menu development and innovation to align with current culinary trends
• Assists with ordering of supplies and inventory
• Participate in strategic planning with the executive chef to align culinary operations with broader goals.
• Balances short term demands with long term goals; contributes to strategic decision making and planning

Deepen Connections: We build strong relationships with our patients, their families and partners in the communities we serve.

• Lead by example and thrive as a leader in the kitchen.
• Serves as a department mentor while seeking regular input and guidance from Executive Chef
• Supervises dietary team including cooks, food service workers, dishwashers, and baristas
• Adjusts shift to provide coverage and reduce overtime
• Embodies and promotes the organizations core values in daily operations and interactions
• Cultivates strong working relationships across departments creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education:

• 3-5 years of experience in similar position or environment
• Experience with food costing, recipe development, and adhering to budgets.

Preferred Education:

• Culinary Program or Higher learning in related field

Required Experience:

Skills:

• Strong positive interpersonal skills.
• Problem solving ability, time management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of kitchen equipment, techniques, and food safety standards
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to meet patient needs.
• Ability to interact in a positive manner and to communicate well with patients, families, co-workers, employees, supervisor and other hospital employees.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office and clinical settings with potential exposure to patient care areas.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequent lifting and/or carrying objects, must be able to lift 50 lbs. Ability to stand on non-carpeted, composite surfaces for extended periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl, reach, use fine finger movement, speak and hear. Ability to walk long distances on a regular basis.

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OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

BENEFITS: We believe in taking care of those who take care of our community. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that puts your health and well-being first. With our flexible medical plan, you’ll have access to multiple in-network tiers, including top-quality care from Snoqualmie Valley Health and First Choice/First Health providers. The best part? Anyone covered under our plan can receive care at SVH at no cost! It's all about giving you the options and support you need to experience life’s great adventures.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Pharmacy
• Life and AD&D
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Travel Assistance & ID Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Other Voluntary Benefits

Benefit Eligibility Requirements - Employees regularly scheduled at least 20 hours per week.

Employee Dependents - Your legal spouse or domestic partner; dependent children until age 26.

Waiting Period - 1st of the month from the date of hire.

PLEASE NOTE:

• The flu shot or declination (during flu season) is required for employment, with exemptions available for valid medical or religious reasons.
• Snoqualmie Valley Health is a drug-free workplace. We complete drug screenings as part of our onboarding process.