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Internship Performance Chef Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

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Internship Performance Chef information

See Denver, CO salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do internship performance chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship performance chef in Denver, CO is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship performance chef?

An Internship Performance Chef is an intern who works alongside professional performance chefs to support athletes or clients in achieving their nutritional and performance goals through specialized meal planning and preparation. These interns learn how to create balanced, high-performance meals tailored to the unique requirements of active individuals, often within a sports or wellness-focused organization. Their role may include researching nutritional needs, assisting with food preparation, and helping to develop menus that enhance recovery, endurance, and overall health. The internship is a hands-on opportunity to gain experience in sports nutrition and culinary arts under the guidance of experienced chefs and nutritionists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship performance chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Performance Chef, you need a foundation in culinary techniques, nutrition principles, and food safety, often supported by culinary school education or relevant coursework. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food tracking systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills help you collaborate with other chefs, nutritionists, and athletes. These abilities ensure you can effectively prepare nutritious, performance-enhancing meals while meeting the specific dietary needs of clients in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by internship performance chefs, and how can they overcome them?

Internship Performance Chefs often encounter challenges such as adapting to specialized dietary requirements for athletes, working under tight schedules, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams including nutritionists and coaches. To succeed, it's important to stay organized, be proactive in learning about sports nutrition, and maintain clear communication with both kitchen staff and performance professionals. Flexibility and a willingness to receive feedback are key to thriving in this dynamic environment, as is a passion for both culinary arts and athletic performance.

What is the difference between Internship Performance Chef vs Culinary Intern?

AspectInternship Performance ChefCulinary Intern
Required CredentialsBasic culinary training, culinary school or equivalentLikewise, culinary school or related training
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsKitchen settings, culinary schools, hospitality venues
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering companiesRestaurants, culinary schools, hospitality industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Internship Performance Chef typically focuses on developing culinary skills in a professional kitchen environment, often with a goal of performance improvement. A Culinary Intern also gains kitchen experience but may have a broader focus on learning basic cooking techniques and industry exposure. Both roles require similar credentials and are used within the hospitality industry, but the Internship Performance Chef emphasizes performance enhancement and advanced culinary skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Performance Chef jobs in Denver, CO?

The most popular types of Performance Chef jobs in Denver, CO are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Performance Chef jobs in Denver, CO?

For Internship Performance Chef jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Performance Chef jobs in Denver, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Performance Chef jobs in Denver, CO are:

Internship Performance Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Performance Chef job openings in Denver, CO as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,049 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Line Continuous Improvement Lead

Dessert Holdings Inc.

Aurora, CO • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Dessert Holdings rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 442 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Line Continuous Improvement Lead
Opportunity Overview
Are you ready to elevate your career in manufacturing operations and be a part of creating the world's best desserts? Dessert Holdings partners with some of North America’s most iconic chains to bring people together to celebrate life’s sweetest moments! We have an amazing opportunity to join a high-growth organization and pave the way for future career advancement.
Dessert Holdings is looking for a manufacturing Line Continuous Improvement Lead to be part of a line-centric leadership team (LCT) to be based in our Aurora, CO facility. The LCT is a three-person team consisting of a Line Manager, a Line CI Lead, and a Line Maintenance Lead. The LCT is responsible for the 24-hour performance of a line (or multiple lines) across all shifts and is accountable for line performance including people safety, food safety, quality, attainment, and other KPIs. The Line Continuous Improvement Lead drives outstanding line performance utilizing knowledge of Lean/CI concepts, applying analytics, and leveraging data to influence decisions.
The typical hiring range for this role is $70,000 to $90,000 annually and is based on several factors such as education, work experience, skills, certifications, location, etc. In addition to pay, Dessert Holdings offers benefits such as a choice of comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and retirement contribution to all eligible employees.
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Drive the adoption of Lean/Continuous Improvement tools on the line which includes leading Kaizen events, Gemba walks, 5S, centerlines (CL), skills matrix, Standard Work (SW), Work Instructions (WI), Autonomous Maintenance, structured problem solving, etc.
  • Support and promote the Manufacturing Operating System (MOS) and continuous improvement culture
  • Work with other LCT members to set daily priorities for the line resulting from the Daily Direction Setting meeting and engage the work of other functions to help with activities critical for success
  • Analyze and report data for daily/weekly production meetings, summarizing key insights and ensuring the team is focused on fixing top losses
  • Perform in-depth analyses and investigations to reduce top losses and improve line performance · Design and maintain data collection processes on the manufacturing floor, including training operators on correct data collection/recording practices, and leveraging digital systems to automate data capture
  • Train and coach operators, technicians, supervisors, and managers on relevant CI topics
  • Work with LCT to develop training programs, skills assessments, and coordinate and maintain required training documentation
  • Identify, promote, and execute improvement initiatives, calculating value potential and track value delivery of initiatives
  • Work on cross-functional teams (e.g. Engineering, R&D, Quality) to deliver strategic projects

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Business Management, or related field and prior manufacturing experience (can include co-ops or internships) 
  • Prior supervisory or lead experience is preferred
  • Must be able to read, write, and speak English and have good verbal and written communication skills; second language proficiency (Spanish) is a plus. 
  • Demonstrated capability in the application of Continuous Improvement tools
  • Ability to flex schedule, as needed, to be onsite during any hours the line is running to support the work of the LCT
  • Approachable and engaging with a passionate and tenacious approach to yield tangible results · Capacity to communicate with all levels of the organization
  • Strong analytical and data collection skills 
  • Proficiency in Excel (or other analytics software) and strong computer skills
  • Must be able to stand and work on the production floor for extensive time periods
     
About Dessert Holdings
Dessert Holdings is North America’s fastest-growing premium dessert company, recognized for provide retail and foodservice customers with chef-inspired, innovative desserts made with real ingredients, a flexible and low-cost supply chain, and best-in-class service. The company is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: Steven Charles, The Original Cakerie, Lawler’s Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Kenny’s Great Pies, and Dianne’s Fine Desserts. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, employees more than 3,200 people across nine manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.
 
EEO Statement
Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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