Job Description of a Head Cook
A head cook is the one who supervises, plans, and directs various kitchen activities. A head cook has to implement correct procedures for food receiving, food storage, food handing, food preparation and distribution, kitchen safety and sanitation and equipment cleaning and operation. He is the one who is fully responsible that the daily menu requirements are met. A head cook is also responsible for maintaining the food inventory control systems such as monitoring incoming supplies for both quality and quantity, making note of the food surpluses and insuring stock rotation. It is the responsibility of a head cook to provide on job training for the employees who are concerned with the operations of a kitchen. He is completely responsible for maintaining the utmost sanitation and cleanliness in the kitchen.
It is the job responsibility of a head cook to monitor food production schedules to see that meals are not prepared in advance or late as per the specified deadlines. A head cook provides instructions to the working staff in the kitchen regarding food that needs to be prepared, what should be the method of preparation and what equipment needs to be used at the time of preparing the meal.
Qualifications Required in Becoming a Head Cook
A head cook needs to have a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality management, food preparation or catering. Any combination of educational qualifications might work for the post of a head cook as the education requirements are not same everywhere.
Skills & Attributes Required in Becoming a Head Cook
A head cook needs to be aware of the latest methods and techniques of preparing and storing food apart from academic qualifications. A head cook also needs to have a fair amount of knowledge of nutrition guidelines and must have the ability to experiment a bit with the traditional cooking practices.
Job Prospects of a Head Cook's Job
Employment prospects of a head cook differ from one organization to another as in this sector the salary slabs are fixed by the company only. At many places, head cooks are provided salaries on the basis of the daily working hours, whereas at many places the salaries are fixed. A head cook earns something in between $20,000 to $35,000 along with various other benefits.
The ones who feel that they have organizing and leadership qualities along with the educational qualifications required to become a head cook can take this career as a permanent career option. One thing that a candidate needs to keep in mind is that this job requires a lot of self-discipline and personal hygiene.
