Lead Cook - Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch

We’re People People. Are you?

We’re Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast 🚀).

With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we’re everywhere our guests need us to be.

But here’s the thing—we’re not just in the business of hotels, we’re in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect—delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

The Lead Cook plays a key role in supporting the hotel's mission and overall success by achieving performance objectives related to breakfast, the evening social hour, and special events. This position involves assisting the team with the setup, service, and breakdown of food and beverage buffet areas, ensuring high standards of quality and consistency. The Lead Cook is committed to delivering exceptional service in all interactions with guests and clients, in alignment with Sonesta G.U.E.S.T. standards.

What you’ll be doing

Food Preparation & Quality Control

• Prepare and execute all food orders in a timely and consistent manner in accordance with established recipes and quality standards.
• Ensure proper preparation methods, cooking times, presentation, and portion control.
• Monitor and test food to verify quality, taste, texture, appearance, and temperature standards.
• Follow detailed prep lists and instructions provided by the Sous Chef and kitchen leadership.
• Read and interpret Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to ensure accurate execution of events.

Banquet & Service Operations

• Prepare, transport, and set up food and beverage items for banquet and buffet service.
• Ensure buffet and service areas are fully stocked with food, beverages, utensils, and supplies; replenish as needed during service.
• Assist with the setup and breakdown of meeting and event spaces, ensuring proper food service execution and cleanliness throughout events.
• Inspect kitchen and service areas daily to maintain high standards of food quality and presentation.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Cleanliness

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and service environment, including equipment, workstations, and storage areas.
• Adhere to all health, sanitation, and safety standards in compliance with local regulations and company policies.
• Properly handle, store, label, and rotate food products to ensure freshness, safety, and minimal waste.
• Complete all opening and closing cleaning duties as assigned.

Inventory & Equipment Management

• Monitor inventory levels at stations and ensure adequate supplies are available for service.
• Follow proper procedures for storage and security of food, equipment, and supplies.
• Inspect kitchen equipment regularly to ensure proper operation and report any malfunctions or safety hazards to management.

Team Leadership & Training

• Provide direction and support to kitchen staff to ensure efficient and consistent operations.
• Assist in training team members and monitoring performance, recommending corrective action when needed.
• Conduct or support pre-shift meetings to communicate daily events, priorities, and menu items.

Guest Service

• Respond promptly and professionally to guest requests, questions, and concerns.
• Support service recovery efforts as needed to ensure a positive guest experience.

Compliance & General Duties

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to health, safety, sanitation, and food handling.
• Maintain professional appearance and adhere to uniform and grooming standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support kitchen and hotel operations.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

Qualifications and Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in a hotel or restaurant kitchen, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, including preparation of meals for large groups or banquet-style service.
• Ability to speak, read, and write fluent English; additional language skills are a plus.
• Basic math, reading, and writing skills required.
• Ability to stand, bend, climb, kneel, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Comfortable working with commercial cleaning chemicals and maintaining safety standards.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid ServSafe Food Handler Certification.
• May be required to obtain TIPS certification, depending on operational needs.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

• How we reward you
• At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.

Here’s a snapshot of what we offer

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you’ll want to use these ✈️)
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Before You Apply

To be considered, please complete the full application in addition to submitting your resume. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.