ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lead Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Lead Cook

Ambler, PA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Meriwether Godsey is looking for a Full-time Lead Cook responsible for leading the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals and special events at a premier Catholic Seminary located in ...

Maximus Hospitality & Management

Lead Cook

Conyers, GA

$13.75 - $17.50/hr

Lead Cook - Las Flores Olde Town Mex Las Flores Olde Town Mex, part of the Maximus Hospitality & Management family, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Lead Cook to join our team. As a Lead Cook, you ...

Canteen Services

Lead Cook

Saint Joseph, MI · On-site

$20/hr

Lead Cook - Full-Time Berrien County Jail | St. Joseph, Michigan Looking for a Leadership Opportunity in Food Service? Are you dependable, positive, and ready to lead in a structured work environment?

Troon Golf

Lead Cook

Georgetown, TX · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Key Responsibilities of the Lead Cook: * Incorporates safe work practices in job performance. * Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and standards. * Lead and coordinate ...

Canteen Services

Lead Cook

Auburn, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Now Hiring: Full-Time Lead Cook DeKalb County Jail | Auburn, Indiana Looking for More Than Just a Kitchen Job? If you're a dependable leader who enjoys cooking, mentoring others, and being part of a ...

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

Lead Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Lead Cook * This position is responsible for leading a team of line cooks to ensure dishes are prepared and served to company standards by giving daily instructions and ...

Times Supermarkets

Lead Cook

Kailua, HI · On-site

$20.75/hr

Lead Cook Department: Food Service Direct Supervisor: Kitchen Manager or Chef FLSA Status: Non- Exempt Starting rate of pay: $20.75/hr Company Benefits: Flexible Hours Employee Discount 10 Paid ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Lead Cook

Lebanon, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Lead Cook

West Chester, OH

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

Lead Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Lead Cook * This position is responsible for leading a team of line cooks to ensure dishes are prepared and served to company standards by giving daily instructions and feedback to the team * At ...

Tigg's Canteen Services

Lead Cook

Auburn, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Now Hiring: Full-Time Lead Cook DeKalb County Jail | Auburn, Indiana Looking for More Than Just a Kitchen Job? If you're a dependable leader who enjoys cooking, mentoring others, and being part of a ...

SM Restaurants, Inc

Lead Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Description Lead Cook * This position is responsible for leading a team of line cooks to ensure dishes are prepared and served to company standards by giving daily instructions and feedback to the ...

Chowgirls Catering

Lead Cook

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

LEAD COOK Part Time - Hourly Non-Benefited Position The Lead Cook helps oversee daily kitchen production to ensure the highest quality food while maintaining Chowgirls' recipes and standards.

Chowgirls Catering

Lead Cook

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

LEAD COOK Part Time -- Hourly Non-Benefited Position The Lead Cook helps oversee daily kitchen production to ensure the highest quality food while maintaining Chowgirls' recipes and standards.

Savant Senior Living

Lead Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$22 - $24.50/hr

The lead cook will report to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to all components of the above position summary the following "Essential Duties and ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Lead Cook

Monroe, OH

$16.50 - $21/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Larkin Community Hospital

Lead Cook - FT

Miami, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Completes cooks and utility aides performance appraisals and competencies in the absence of the lead cook. 3 Demonstrates working knowledge of food service sanitation; uses accepted techniques in ...

Alsos Behavioral Health

Lead Cook

Westerville, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Lead Cook REPORTS TO: Dietary Manager DEPARTMENT: Dietary FLSA STATUS: Exempt OVERVIEW: Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the kitchen and ensuring the preparation and ...

New

Chowgirls Catering

Lead Cook

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$22/hr

LEAD COOK Part Time - Hourly Non-Benefited Position The Lead Cook helps oversee daily kitchen production to ensure the highest quality food while maintaining Chowgirls' recipes and standards.

Otterbein SeniorLife

Lead Cook

Springboro, OH

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Cook Jobs

Lead COOK information

See salary details

$11

$19

$25

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in the United States is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead cook?

A lead cook is the head of the kitchen who oversees restaurant operations and the other cooks. As a lead cook, you work closely with restaurant managers, cooks, and front of house staff to coordinate food preparation and ensure the operations of the dining facility are running smoothly. Depending on the work environment, you may create menu dishes, order food supplies and equipment, review food and beverage purchases, and train other cooks. You typically need to gain several years of experience working as a line cook before beginning a career as a lead cook. Educational requirements vary, but professional training through vocational programs, culinary institutes, and degree programs may offer a competitive edge. Additional qualifications include excellent knowledge of cuisine, communication and organizational skills, and the ability to lead and manage others.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Cook, you need strong culinary skills, experience with food preparation, kitchen management, and often a culinary degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and a positive team environment in fast-paced settings.

How does a lead cook typically collaborate with kitchen staff and management to ensure smooth kitchen operations?

A Lead Cook plays a central role in coordinating kitchen activities by communicating clearly with line cooks, prep staff, and servers to ensure that dishes are prepared correctly and timely. They work closely with management to implement menu changes, manage inventory, and uphold food safety standards. Effective collaboration involves training team members, delegating tasks based on skill level, and addressing any issues that arise during service. This teamwork not only keeps the kitchen running efficiently but also fosters a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Lead Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectLead CookLine Cook
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; culinary training often preferred
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, supervising staff, managing kitchen operationsPreparing dishes on the line, following recipes, working under supervision
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen staff, ensures quality, manages inventoryPrepares specific dishes, maintains station, follows head chef instructions

The main difference between a Lead Cook and a Line Cook is that the Lead Cook has supervisory responsibilities and oversees kitchen operations, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at their station. Lead Cooks often have more experience and may be responsible for training staff, whereas Line Cooks execute specific tasks within the kitchen. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Lead Cook's role includes leadership and management duties.

More about Lead COOK jobs

What cities are hiring for Lead Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Cook job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Cook jobs?

The top employers for Lead Cook jobs are:

What states have the most Lead Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Cook jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Lead Cook jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Cook jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs?

For Lead Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead COOK jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Lead Cook

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Ambler, PA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Meriwether Godsey is looking for a Full-time Lead Cook responsible for leading the preparation, cooking, and presentation of daily meals and special events at a premier Catholic Seminary located in scenic Ambler, PA.


  • Must be available to work as follows: Monday-Friday, 11:30a-7p and weekends as needed
  • Overtime flexibility is required for catering and special events
  • Pay range: $20-$24 Per Hour

What the Lead Cook will do:

  • Ensure quality and timeliness of food production, using batch-cooking methods to maintain the quality and freshness of the product.
  • Use traditional, made-from-scratch preparation methods and keep accurate production logs.
  • Assist Chef with all aspects of production; work collaboratively alongside other production staff to incorporate key ingredients/products into recipe and menu offerings daily
  • Participate in transporting, setting up, garnishing, maintaining, and breaking down food and supplies at assigned stations
  • Adhere to food safety and sanitation standards, and all HACCP recordings
  • Assist in training and developing other cooks in MG recipes and approaches
  • Guide kitchen personnel in safe operating procedures of all equipment, utensils, and machinery
  • Conducts daily pre-production and service meetings. Ensures serving food according to standards
  • Additional duties may include purchasing/ordering necessary products, being responsible for team production, quality assurance, and other duties as requested

What the Lead Cook will need:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Formal Culinary Training or a minimum of 4 years of culinary experience preferred
  • ServSafe® FPM Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment required
  • Experience with high-volume contract dining /food service operations required
  • Experience with purchasing/ordering preferred
  • High levels of professionalism and strong leadership skills
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Flexibility: the ability to switch between locations and job duties
  • Growing knowledge of sustainable practices
  • Must have transportation, as the school is not on a public transportation route

What the Lead Cook will get:

  • Competitive Pay, Uniforms, Meals, Training, Mentorship, and Benefits (Health, Vision, Dental, etc.)

Meriwether Godsey offers significant opportunities for growth and career advancement. The work environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and high-energy. You’ll be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do.

Interested in learning more? Visit our About Us Page

Enjoy a people-and food-focused environment where you have the opportunity to make a difference every day and advance your career. Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Pennsylvania market!

Meriwether Godsey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace.