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Cook Manager Jobs in Waukee, IA (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Step by step process to grow your career * 3 College Credits hours for completing manager training ... Position Description As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing menu items according to ...

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Step by step process to grow your career * 3 College Credits hours for completing manager training ... Position Description As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing menu items according to ...

Cook

Waukee, IA

$13.50 - $18/hr

Cook Independence Village of Waukee Position Summary: Full-time 6a-2p or 11a-7p, must be available ... management, sanitation, and security. * Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in ...

Cook PRN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

... team-oriented environment with a Dietary Manager with numerous years of experience ... Previous Cook experience is REQUIRED * Age 21+ * Great attitude, ability to work with a team

Cook

Altoona, IA

$13.50 - $18/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Altoona Position Summary: Full-Time and Part-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a ... management, sanitation, and security. * Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in ...

Cook

Waukee, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Cook Independence Village of Waukee Position Summary: Full-time 6a-2p or 11a-7p, must be available ... management, sanitation, and security. * Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: As a Cook, you will prepare food ... management, sanitation, and security. * Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in ...

Cook

Des Moines, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Line Cook Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: As a Cook, you will prepare food ... management, sanitation, and security. * Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in ...

Cook

Altoona, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Altoona Position Summary: Full-Time and Part-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a ... management, sanitation, and security. * Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in ...

Cook

Altoona, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Line Cook StoryPoint Altoona Position Summary: Full-Time and Part-Time, 6am-2pm and 11am-7pm As a ... management, sanitation, and security. * Clean and inspect kitchen appliances and work areas in ...

New

Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Step by step process to grow your career * 3 College Credits hours for completing manager training ... Position Description As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing menu items according to ...

Preschool Cook

Johnston, IA · On-site

$16.94 - $19.50/hr

Keep the kitchen organized, managing food and supply storage like a pro. * Serve meals to ... Sizzling Benefits (Full-Time Cooks): * Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet--access your ...

Be Seen First

Full Time Cook

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Cook's purpose is to prepare meals & manage work skills participants; teaching them in the proper preparation of nutritional, well-balanced family meals, and to maintain proper ...

Cook III

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Any deviations are reported to the F&N Supervisor or Manager, or Senior Cook/Lead Cook * Records all food and equipment temperatures according to task list. * Ensures that equipment in the area is ...

New

ABOUT ACCURA HEALTHCARE: Accura HealthCare is a Midwest-based healthcare company that manages and ... Cooks ensure that resident meals are prepared per residents' care plans, focusing on quality ...

Cook

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$16/hr

ABOUT ACCURA HEALTHCARE: Accura HealthCare is a Midwest-based healthcare company that manages and ... Cooks ensure that resident meals are prepared per residents' care plans, focusing on quality ...

Showing results 21-40

Cook Manager information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$11

$26

$36

How much do cook manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook manager in Waukee, IA is $26.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $32.26 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 Waukee, IA?

The most popular types of Cook jobs in Waukee, IA are:

What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Cook Manager jobs?

Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Cook Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Cook Manager job openings in Waukee, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,558 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Perkins Restaurant & Bakery rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

BE A PART OF OUR SUCCESS!
Benefits & Perks:
  • Educational Assistance with DeVry University with complimentary laptop**
  • Immediate Family Members are also eligible
  • Competitive Pay with Service Award Incentive
  • Get paid daily through Daily Pay!
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, and more!***
  • 401(k) retirement savings with company match
  • Flexible Schedule
  • All you can eat pancakes + meal discounts!
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Development Pathway: Step by step process to grow your career
  • 3 College Credits hours for completing manager training****

Founded in 1958, Perkins® operates 324 restaurants in 32 states and four Canadian provinces. The Perkins system includes 81 company-owned and operated restaurants and 234 franchised units. Throughout its history, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has remained true to its mission of providing guests with personalized service and delicious, homestyle food at a great value.
Perkins has experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place!
Position Description
As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing menu items according to company policies, procedures, programs, and performance standards. In addition, you will perform all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and a quality work environment as directed Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty.
Responsibilities:
  • Reports to work well groomed, in a clean and proper uniform, and at all times practices good personal hygiene.
  • Uses, maintains, and cleans all kitchen line equipment, plus preparation and storage areas.
  • Stocks and rotates products on cooking line.
  • Has sufficient knowledge of cooking stations, menu items and prep procedures to ensure correct portioning, quality, cooking time and performance standards.
  • Cooks and prepares menu items according to guest request within company standards and following food safety and sanitation procedures.
  • Monitors and oversees food temperatures during hot and cold handling to reduce the incidence of risk factors known to cause food borne illness.
  • Anticipates, identifies and corrects system breakdowns to achieve maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Communicates with the Manager on Duty and coworkers regarding product/services deficiencies, equipment, safety problems, etc.

Qualifications:
  • Basic skills such as sanitation, safety, and customer service taught through in-house training
  • Must be able to communicate clearly

Physical Requirements / Environment / Work Conditions:
  • Must have high level of mobility/flexibility
  • Must be able to work irregular hours under heavy stress/pressure during peak times
  • Must possess high level of coordination
  • Must lift and carry up to 50 pounds for distances up to 30 feet
  • Must be able to fit through an opening 30" wide
  • Requires frequent reaching, bending, pushing and pulling
  • Exposure to heat, steam, smoke, cold and odors
  • Requires continual standing and walking

Disclaimer
This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the employee may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Founded in 1958, Perkins® operates 277 restaurants in 32 states and two Canadian provinces. The Perkins system includes 81 company-owned and operated restaurants and 196 franchised units. With its diverse, moderately priced menu featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bakery offerings, and its attractive and recently remodeled restaurants designed to facilitate efficiency and guest satisfaction, Perkins American Food Co. is a dining favorite with a solid and respected reputation in the marketplace.
The longevity and success of Perkins American Food Co. is largely attributed to the concept's ability to adapt to shifts in consumer dining trends and evolving taste preferences while delivering that homestyle goodness that guests crave. At Perkins, we're always updating our menu with fresh, flavorful and innovative items that take their place right alongside Perkins' iconic guest favorites, some of which have been on our menu for more than 30 years. We also take great pride in differentiating ourselves with the service and experience we provide. This has and continues to be a hallmark of our brand.
BE A PART OF OUR SUCCESS
Perkins has experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place!

What Perkins Restaurant & Bakery employees say

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