1

Lead Cook Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook Location: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA - 79515030 Workdays/shifts : Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Lead Cook

North Manchester, IN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Lead Cook Location: MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY - 32763001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Lead Cook Location: MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY - 32763001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

Lead Cook

North Manchester, IN · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Lead Cook Location: MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY - 32763001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment ...

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

$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

$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/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 ...

Group Lead-Cook

Henryville, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for assisting and cooking for the Corporate Office. Executes the menus and food preparation in the kitchen. Creates a great experience for employees and guests. Assists ...

Group Lead-Cook

Morristown, IN

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for assisting and cooking for the Corporate Office. Executes the menus and food preparation in the kitchen. Creates a great experience for employees and guests. Assists ...

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 ...

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 ...

Group Lead-Cook

Morristown, IN · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for assisting and cooking for the Corporate Office. Executes the menus and food preparation in the kitchen. Creates a great experience for employees and guests. Assists ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Cook information

See Indiana salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 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 does a lead cook do?

A lead cook oversees kitchen operations, supervises kitchen staff, ensures food quality and safety standards are met, and assists with meal preparation. They often coordinate with management, manage inventory, and ensure timely service in a fast-paced environment.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Lead cooks typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. Top chefs in high-end restaurants or culinary entrepreneurs may reach high six-figure incomes, but reaching half a million dollars annually is uncommon for standard cooking positions. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, ownership, or additional business ventures.

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 is the lead cook called?

The lead cook is often called the head cook, executive cook, or kitchen supervisor. They are responsible for managing kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring quality standards. This role typically requires culinary skills, leadership ability, and experience in a professional kitchen.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying roles for cooks typically include executive chef, head chef, or culinary director, especially in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than standard line cook or prep cook roles.

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 are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs in IN? For Lead Cook jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,042 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Lead Cook

$17 - $18/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 454 rated business services


Job description

Lead Cook


Location: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA - 79515030

Workdays/shifts: Afternoon/evenings - varying days. More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $17.00 per hour - $18.00 per hour

University students with restrictions on number of hours they can work, including international students, should apply for open student worker positions at the school they attend. You can search student worker jobs here (https://sodexo.paradox.ai/7nq0G05)


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way.


What You'll Do:As a Lead Cook at Sodexo, you are a team player and food waste reducer. You'll prepare and create nutritious dishes while putting customer service at the heart of everything you do. Your passion for food and warm smile will make a positive impact and brighten the day of those you serve.


Responsibilities include:

  • Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods, may include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Special/Catered Events.
  • Read and follow basic recipes and/or product directions for preparing various food items
  • May prepare food and serve customers at an a la carte and/or operate a grill station
  • May support management in the daily oversight of key functions and employees during the normal course of business
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • 3 -4 years of related work experience preferred


Link to full Job description


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life's important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family's wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more.
  • In addition to Sodexo's standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free "shift" meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking.


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo's benefit offerings during the interview process.


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form.




What Sodexo employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom