Job Description

Lead Cook

Cherokee County Meals On Wheels

Part-Time | 27.25 hours per week

Monday–Friday | 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM Starting Pay: $15.25/hour

Lead with Purpose. Cook with Heart.

Cherokee County Meals On Wheels is seeking a Lead Cook to help oversee daily kitchen operations and guide a team of staff and volunteers in preparing nutritious meals for our homebound and elderly neighbors. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading others, values teamwork, and wants their work to truly matter.

We prepare and deliver approximately 550 meals each day —at no cost to our clients. For more than 41 years , our organization has relied on community support and compassionate staff to ensure no senior goes hungry.

What You’ll Do:

• Prepare daily meals safely, efficiently, and in compliance with Department of Agriculture regulations and dietary restrictions.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant kitchen.
• Lead and support Assistant Cooks and volunteers, ensuring everyone feels valued, engaged, and productive.
• Oversee daily meal prep and service (serving begins at 8:20 AM ).
• Ensure Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs) are prepared accurately each day.
• Manage food inventory responsibly, including proper use of donated food and minimizing waste.
• Label, date, store, and rotate food appropriately.
• Receive and verify food deliveries and put away stock.
• Assist with ordering supplies and food when leadership is unavailable.
• Train Assistant Cooks and oversee volunteer training.
• Complete daily and weekly kitchen task documentation.

What We’re Looking For:

• Solid kitchen experience with leadership or supervisory responsibility
• A calm, professional communicator who can direct volunteers with kindness and respect
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• A creative, resource-minded approach to food preparation and inventory
• Comfort with kitchen equipment and willingness to learn software and technology
• ServSafe Certification (required; may be obtained after hire if not current)
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Meaningful work: You’ll leave each day knowing you made a real difference.
• Consistent schedule: No nights, weekends, or holidays.
• Mission-driven team: Work alongside caring staff and incredible volunteers.
• Supportive culture: Volunteers are the heart of what we do—and you’ll help lead them.
• Great schedule: No nights or weekends.
• Supportive team: Work alongside some of the most dedicated volunteers and staff in the community.

Time off:

• Paid holidays (except Veterans Day unless it falls on a weekend)
• Paid inclement weather days
• 1 week paid vacation after 1 year, 2 weeks vacation after 5 years
• 3 personal days annually (with rollover)

Growth potential: 30-day performance review with potential raise and annual pay evaluations

Our Values:

We value integrity, respect, teamwork, and a shared commitment to serving others. Food donations are used exclusively for our clients—our mission comes first. Any take-home food is only offered and approved by the Director of Food Operations.

A Note About Our Volunteers:

Our volunteers give their time because they care deeply. They may not have extra time—but they have heart. As a Lead Cook, you’ll help ensure their time is respected, purposeful, and impactful.

Interview Process:

As part of our interview process, selected candidates will be asked to volunteer one morning (8:00–11:00 AM) in the kitchen. This gives you a chance to experience our mission firsthand and meet the team.

How to Apply:

• Email your resume to Jennifer Robbins , Fund Development & Assistant Director at jennifer@cherokeecountyscmow.org or send your resume through Indeed
• Text: 864-535-0027
• Call: 864-487-2730
• Apply online:

At Cherokee County Meals On Wheels, this isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. If you’re ready to lead with compassion and purpose, we’d love to meet you.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $15.25 per hour

Expected hours: 27.25 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Paid training

Experience:

• Kitchen management: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• ServSafe (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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