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Cook Lead
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Gig Harbor, WA, 98332
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 23.28-33.74 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
This job is responsible for leading the preparation of food for patients, staff, and visitors of the healthcare facility following safe cooking techniques. Prepares food for multiple therapeutic diets and complies with state and federal laws and regulations related to food preparation in a healthcare environment. Supports quality control measures such as recipe adherence and food quality consistency.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Prepares and serves food within guidelines of menu and dietary requirements, using required kitchen utensils and equipment such as slicers, mixers, ovens, fryers, steamers, etc., stove tops, and grills. Modifies preparations to account for food allergies.
- Champions food quality standards of appearance, taste, temperature and sanitation.
- Performs washing and cleaning duties to ensure sanitation and cleanliness in cooking and serving areas.
- Maintains proper labeling of food products and ensures storage of food equipment, and machinery per regulations and facility guidelines.
Performs related duties as required.
As a Cook Lead at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you’ll play an important role in caring for our patients while also helping us care for our community. Through our partnership with Goodr, the food prepared in our hospitals is transformed into more than 4,700 meals for those in need—reducing waste and feeding local families. Your work helps make this possible, turning nourishment into meaningful impact.
Job Requirements
MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Work Experience Requirements
High School Diploma/GED or equivalent combination of education and experience, and four years of experience in food services; two years hospital nutrition experience.
Licensure/Certification
Washington State Food Handler Permit upon hire.
Where You'll WorkVirginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
A Cook Lead here ensures food meets therapeutic diet standards by adapting recipes and maintaining consistency in taste, temperature, and presentation. Their role is crucial in balancing nutrition and safety, especially in a hospital setting that serves diverse dietary needs.
Beyond standard cooking, a Cook Lead manages food safety regulations, supervises kitchen sanitation, and guides staff in handling specialized therapeutic diets. Leadership and compliance expertise are key differentiators in the healthcare environment.
Holding a Washington State food handler permit is essential, coupled with at least four years in food service and hospital nutrition experience. These credentials demonstrate compliance with local health standards and readiness to lead clinical food preparation.
Gig Harbor’s demand for experienced Cook Leads is moderate but growing due to expanding healthcare facilities. Candidates with hospital nutrition experience and state permits tend to stand out, facing a balanced competition landscape.
Yes, Cook Leads must adhere to Washington State’s strict food safety laws, which emphasize sanitation and allergen management. Local healthcare facilities often require up-to-date permits and compliance with both state and federal healthcare food standards.
Working with Catholic Health Initiatives offers the rewarding chance to reduce food waste and contribute to community nourishment via partnerships like Goodr, turning hospital meals into thousands of meals for families in need.
The organization fosters a culture of quality and safety by providing modern kitchen equipment, ongoing food safety training, and clear guidelines on dietary compliance, helping Cook Leads uphold excellence in healthcare food service.
Cook Leads in Gig Harbor typically earn between $45,000 and $55,000 annually, reflecting their specialized skills in hospital nutrition and food safety compliance. This range aligns with the region’s healthcare food service market trends.
Cook Leads take on supervisory duties, ensuring kitchen staff adhere to therapeutic diet standards and sanitation protocols, while also managing inventory and food labeling—tasks beyond the typical food prep focus of a Cook.