Job Details

Senior Cook

Location: Carpinteria, CA 93013

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Location: In Person

Position Overview

As a Senior Cook at J&A Catering Inc., you will be responsible for the daily preparation and production of high-quality cuisine for a wide range of events. This role requires strong culinary expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to execute under pressure while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.

You will play a key role in organizing and packing for off-premise events, ensuring all dishes are properly portioned, packaged, and ready for transport. In addition, you will lead culinary efforts during on-site and off-site events, overseeing food preparation, cooking, and presentation to meet both client expectations and our high culinary standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and actively participate in day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring consistent preparation of a wide variety of dishes.
• Prepare ingredients using a range of kitchen equipment, including measuring, mixing, washing, peeling, cutting, trimming, and portioning meats, seafood, and vegetables.
• Maintain strict quality control by checking freshness and proper handling of ingredients before, during, and after preparation.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards at all times.
• Organize and pack food, equipment, and supplies for off-premise catering events.
• Lead culinary execution at on-site and off-site events, ensuring proper preparation, timing, and presentation.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.
• Foster a cooperative and professional team atmosphere that supports smooth kitchen operations.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or certification preferred.
• Valid Driver's License preferred (not required).
• Minimum 5+ years of professional cooking experience.
• At least 2 years of catering or event-based culinary experience (Required).
• Proven experience leading and managing a kitchen team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with off-premise cooking, large-scale production, and event catering.

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation, and presentation.
• Solid understanding of food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe certification preferred).
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, especially during event preparation.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and varying schedules based on event needs.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach consistently throughout shifts.
• Stand for 8–12 hours per day, depending on workload and event schedule.
• Lift and move up to 25 pounds regularly.
• Climb stairs and perform overhead reaching tasks.
• Work in varying temperatures, including hot and cold kitchen environments.
• Set up and break down event spaces (chairs, tables, décor).
• Walk extended distances between event locations and stand for long periods during service.
• Work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with exposure to hot surfaces, kitchen equipment, and sharp tools.

Additional Information

J&A Catering Inc. has reviewed this job description to ensure essential duties and responsibilities are included. This description is intended as a guideline and is not an exhaustive list of all tasks, skills, or requirements. Additional duties may be assigned by management as needed.

This document does not constitute a contract of employment. J&A Catering Inc. reserves the right to modify this job description at any time.

J&A Catering Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.