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Cook Manager Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

University Park, PA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are seeking team members for full and part-time roles in a busy commercial ...

Cook

Centre Hall, PA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

As a Cook at The Wynwood House, you'll play an important role in enhancing our residents' daily ... Strong time management and organization Education and Experience Requirements: * High school ...

Cook

Huntingdon, PA · On-site

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn ... management. * Maintain open lines of communication with other associates, e.g., line servers ...

Cook

Huntingdon, PA

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn ... management. * Maintain open lines of communication with other associates, e.g., line servers ...

Cook

Huntingdon, PA · On-site

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn ... management. * Maintain open lines of communication with other associates, e.g., line servers ...

Cook

Huntingdon, PA · On-site

$10.75 - $14.50/hr

Cook - Parkhurst Dining Are you looking for a values-driven environment with opportunities to learn ... management. * Maintain open lines of communication with other associates, e.g., line servers ...

Cooks are required to work with the kitchen staff to keep the kitchen organized and running ... Manage product storage, maintenance, and rotation activities to avoid any damage or spoilage. At ...

Cooks are required to work with the kitchen staff to keep the kitchen organized and running ... Manage product storage, maintenance, and rotation activities to avoid any damage or spoilage. At ...

Cook

State College, PA

$14 - $18.75/hr

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are ... Opportunities for growth into management positions * Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending ...

Cook

University Park, PA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are ... Opportunities for growth into management positions * Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending ...

Cook

University Park, PA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Our Panda Cook associates are important leaders of our team and the heart of our kitchen. You are ... Opportunities for growth into management positions * Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending ...

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Cook Manager information

See State College, PA salary details

$11

$27

$37

How much do cook manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook manager in State College, PA is $27.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cook manager?

Cook Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, cafeterias, or other food service establishments. They supervise cooking staff, plan menus, manage inventory, ensure food safety standards are met, and may also participate in food preparation. Their role blends culinary skills with management duties, requiring strong leadership and organizational abilities. Cook Managers play a key role in maintaining food quality and efficient kitchen workflow.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a cook manager?

To thrive as a Cook Manager, you need strong culinary skills, experience in food preparation, and a background in kitchen management, often supported by a food safety certification. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and commercial kitchen equipment is typically required. Leadership, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for supervising staff and maintaining kitchen efficiency. These abilities are important to ensure high-quality food service, regulatory compliance, and smooth kitchen operations.

What challenges does a cook manager face when balancing kitchen operations and staff management?

As a Cook Manager, one of the main challenges is efficiently coordinating food preparation while also supervising and training kitchen staff. This role requires balancing hands-on cooking duties with administrative tasks like scheduling, inventory management, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cook Managers must also handle unexpected issues such as staff shortages or equipment malfunctions, all while maintaining a positive kitchen environment. Effective communication and multitasking are essential to successfully manage both the culinary and managerial aspects of the job.

What is the difference between Cook Manager vs Cook?

AspectCook ManagerCook
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary experienceFood safety certification, culinary experience
Work EnvironmentSupervises kitchen staff, manages kitchen operationsPrepares food, follows recipes, works under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, schools, catering services, restaurantsRestaurants, cafeterias, catering services

The Cook Manager oversees kitchen operations and supervises cooks, focusing on management and coordination. The Cook primarily prepares food according to recipes and standards. While both roles require culinary skills and food safety knowledge, the Cook Manager has additional responsibilities in staff supervision and operational management.

Do you need a degree to be a cook manager?

A cook manager typically does not need a formal degree but should have relevant experience in food preparation and management skills. Certifications such as food safety training can be beneficial, and some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cook jobs in State College, PA?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in State College, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Cook Manager jobs in State College, PA?

For Cook Manager jobs in State College, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cook Manager jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cook Manager jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Cook Manager jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Cook Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook Manager job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,658 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Metz Culinary Management rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 87 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Join the team at Freshens! Located on the first floor of the ECORE building.
You will be responsible for morning prep and helping make orders through breakfast and lunch service.
Hours are 7am-3pm Monday-Friday.
Benefits:
*Free Meal every shift
*Earned PTO
*Earned Wellness days
*Health Insurance
*Closed all federal holidays
This is a great opportunity for Culinary and Hospitality School Grads!
Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have openings for Rock Star Cooks who shares our passion for Food and Service. We are seeking team members for full and part-time roles in a busy commercial kitchen and café 'operations setting. Experience is a plus in a Food Service setting such as Hospital, School, or College desired but the door is open for all motivated individuals who understand the basics and bring a positive energy to the team!
LINE AND PREP COOKS: Prepare and present DELICIOUS meals and IMPRESSIVE presentations following our Executive Chef Menus. Ability to inventory and portion ingredients. Additionally, assist in kitchen to include prep, dish room, dry stock and perishable food inventories and sanitation. Experience as a cook or culinary schooling would be ideal but we willing to train the right person with a passion for food. This is a great opportunity for growth!
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience desired
Ability to apply elementary mathematical statistics that would apply to inventory and portioning
Willing to roll up sleeves and contribute where needed
Hospitality-driven
Able to work and thrive in a team environment
Brings a SMILE and strong work ethic to the TEAM
We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.
We require background checks and drug screening for all employees as part of the on-boarding process. *Daily Pay is an optional employee benefit. Learn more at Dailypay.com

What Metz Culinary Management employees say

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