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Lead Cook Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook

Franklin, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Overview Otterbein is currently seeking a talented Lead Cook to join our team at our vibrant, not-for-profit retirement community. The individual in this position is responsible for creating ...

Lead Cook

Albion, IN

$15.50 - $20/hr

Cooks and prepares food following production guidelines and standardized recipes * Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment * Prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing ...

Lead Cook

Albion, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Cooks and prepares food following production guidelines and standardized recipes * Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment * Prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing ...

LEAD COOK-STADIUM

Florence, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer by following all required standards, and for assisting the Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine ...

Lead Cook

Albion, IN

$15.50 - $20/hr

Cooks and prepares food following production guidelines and standardized recipes * Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment * Prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing ...

Lead Cook

Albion, IN · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Cooks and prepares food following production guidelines and standardized recipes * Sets up workstation with all needed ingredients and equipment * Prepares ingredients by measuring, weighing, mixing ...

LEAD COOK-STADIUM

Florence, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer by following all required standards, and for assisting the Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine ...

LEAD COOK-STADIUM

Florence, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for providing superior service to both the internal and external customer by following all required standards, and for assisting the Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine ...

Lead Cook/Sous Chef

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Lead Cook/Sous Chef About Cedarhurst: Cedarhurst Senior Living is a leading provider of senior living communities, dedicated to enriching the lives of residents through exceptional care and ...

Lead Cook - Labcorp Drug Development

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...

Lead Cook - Labcorp Drug Development

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...

Lead Cook - Allen County Catering

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...

Lead Cook - Allen County Catering

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production guidelines while following food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The individual in ...

Lead Cook

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$19 - $19.50/hr

Responsibilities: * Assists the Culinary Services Director with monthly staffing scheduling of employees * Attends required meetings as requested by the Executive Director and the Culinary Services ...

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Lead Cook information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in Indiana is $18.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $20.14 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 lead cooks?

Lead cooks are experienced culinary professionals who oversee kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They are responsible for preparing meals, supervising kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and coordinating the workflow during meal service. Lead cooks often assist in menu planning, inventory management, and training new employees. Their leadership helps maintain a smooth, efficient kitchen and consistent food standards.

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 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.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs in Indiana? For Lead Cook jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Cook jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Cook jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Lead Cook jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Lead Cook job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs in IN? For Lead Cook jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Cook

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Otterbein SeniorLife rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 228 rated social care providers


Job description

**Now Offering DailyPay**
Overview
Otterbein is currently seeking a talented Lead Cook to join our team at our vibrant, not-for-profit retirement community. The individual in this position is responsible for creating delicious, attractive meals for our residents. This is an important role that significantly impacts the quality of life of our residents. We offer restaurant-style dining for our residents in a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. If you have the desire to serve older persons in a faith-based environment, this is the place for you.
At Otterbein, you're more than an employee, you're a Partner in Caring. Together, we work side by side toward a shared goal: delivering person-centered care that respects every resident and the choices they make.
Whether in our vibrant communities, our welcoming small house neighborhoods, Home Health, Hospice or Home Office, we provide the highest level of compassionate, quality care.
Join our team of Partners who are talented, kind, wise, funny, spirited, generous, endearing, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Shift: Full Time 10:00a-6:30pm
Shift: Full Time 6:30am-2:30pm
Responsibilities
  • Side-by-side training with Executive Chef
  • Prepares appealing meals
  • Works cooperatively in a team environment
  • Works safely and in a sanitary manner
  • Operates efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications
Education: High School diploma or GED preferred
Experience:
  • Hardworking, dedicated, caring individual who enjoys serving others
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with others
  • Maintains a professional and positive attitude

BENEFITS*
Health & Wellness
  • Medical Insurance with free virtual doctor visits
  • Vision & Dental Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support

Financial Security
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) that accrues immediately from day one
  • Paid Holidays for a healthy work-life balance
  • Access to DailyPay, enabling you to access up to 100% of your earned wages on a daily basis
  • Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year for ANY field of study
  • Tuition Discounts through exclusive partnerships with the University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, and Hondros College
  • Employee-Sponsored Crisis Fund available for those facing unforeseen challenges
  • Legal & Identity Theft Protection

Growth & Development
  • University Partnerships with University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, and Hondros College for exclusive tuition discounts
  • Multiple Partner Discounts available for various products and services through Access Perks
  • Access to 1,000s of hours of personal and professional development material through RightNow Media @ Work

*Some benefits, including PTO and tuition reimbursement, are based on hours worked.
Why work for Otterbein SeniorLife:
For more than 100 years, Otterbein has provided senior housing options rooted in respect and community. We're a non-profit 501(c)(3) health and human service organization, so our values and initiatives are focused on serving our residents.
Otterbein SeniorLife consists of lifestyle communities, revolutionary small house neighborhoods, home health, and hospice care in Ohio and Indiana. We offer different lifestyle options for seniors through independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab, memory support, respite care, in-home care, and hospice services.
Apply today and begin a meaningful career as a Lead Cook at Otterbein!

What Otterbein SeniorLife employees say

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About Otterbein SeniorLife

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Otterbein SeniorLife is a health and human services industry institution based in Lebanon, OH, US. Established in 1912, the organization has a century-old heritage of providing senior-focused services. Otterbein SeniorLife offers a full spectrum of health and human services including continuing care retirement communities and home health and hospice services. Upholding the values of inclusiveness, quality, innovation, and stewardship, the organization is widely recognized as a faith-based, non-profit ministry. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life and holistic growth of older persons.

Industry

Nursing and residential care facilities

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lebanon, OH, US

Year founded

1912