Cook Lead
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Bryan, TX, 77802
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 15-22.63 HOUR
Date Posted : 7 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
- Leads the preparation of food for patients, staff, and visitors of the healthcare facility following safe cooking techniques.
- Assists in the oversight of staff to ensure that all processes and procedures are being followed.
- Prepares and serves food within guidelines of menu and dietary requirements, using required kitchen utensils and equipment such as slicers, mixers, ovens, stove tops, steamers, fryers etc. and grills. Modifies preparations to account for food allergies.
- Champions food quality standards of appearance, taste, temperature and sanitation.
- Maintains proper labeling of food products and ensures storage of food equipment, and machinery per regulations and facility guidelines.
- Two (2) years of experience in food services; One (1) year hospital nutrition experience.
- Food Handlers Permit/Servsafe Certification - Within 30 days of hire
St. Joseph Health – Bryan/College Station, Navasota, Caldwell, Madisonville, TX. Since 1936, St. Joseph Health has been caring for the communities in and surrounding the Brazos Valley. We have a Level III Trauma Center, the first Joint Commission certified Primary Stroke Center, and the first accredited Chest Pain Center in the Brazos Valley. St. Joseph Health is a leader in critical care and the largest provider of cardiovascular care in the region. As an integrated healthcare system St. Joseph Health includes a comprehensive network of over 100 employed providers including primary care physicians specialists and advanced practice clinicians. The network includes more than 30 ambulatory clinics featuring primary care, Express Clinics, and imaging and diagnostic services.
*$2,000 Sign-On Bonus*
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Frequently asked questions
Bryan's Cook Lead roles often emphasize hospital nutrition experience and compliance with food safety standards due to its healthcare-driven job market. Compared to larger metros, there's a strong focus on adapting menus for patient dietary needs, reflecting local healthcare facility priorities within the Brazos Valley region.
In Bryan, TX, especially at healthcare providers like Catholic Health Initiatives, having a food handler’s permit or ServSafe certification within 30 days of hire is crucial. This ensures compliance with Texas health regulations and aligns with hospital food safety protocols common to the region.
Success as a Cook Lead here hinges on expertise in safe food prep techniques, managing kitchen teams effectively, and accommodating dietary restrictions such as allergies. Familiarity with hospital-grade kitchen equipment and strict sanitation standards also elevates a candidate’s profile locally.
Starting as a Cook in Bryan's healthcare system offers exposure to specialized food service standards, opening pathways to leadership roles like Cook Lead or clinical nutrition coordination. The region's integrated health network supports career growth via diverse clinical food service experiences.
Catholic Health Initiatives values candidates who not only lead food prep but also uphold strict dietary and sanitation protocols in clinical settings. The role demands proactive staff oversight and dedication to patient-centered meal quality, reflecting the organization's healthcare mission.
The company provides comprehensive training on equipment use, menu adherence, and allergy-aware food prep. Additionally, Cook Leads at Catholic Health Initiatives benefit from resources aimed at ensuring temperature control, labeling accuracy, and sanitary storage, essential for hospital kitchens.
Cook Leads in Bryan typically earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually, reflecting the specialized hospital food service environment. The $2,000 sign-on bonus offered by Catholic Health Initiatives further enhances initial compensation, competitive within the Brazos Valley healthcare sector.
The Cook Lead role requires managing fast-paced meal prep for patients with varied dietary needs, overseeing kitchen staff, and ensuring all health codes are met. Balancing quality, safety, and timely service makes it demanding but rewarding, especially in trauma and stroke care settings.
Advancement pathways often lead toward supervisory roles in food services, clinical nutrition coordination, or hospital dietary management. Experience gained at facilities like St. Joseph Health can also open doors to regional food service leadership within integrated healthcare systems.