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Lead Cook Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Portland State University

Lead Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$19.36 - $21.91/hr

Position Announcement Position Details Proposed Start Date 08/03/2026 Classification Title Cook 2 Working Title Lead Cook Department 260401 - CDC Helen Gordon Office Position Number D99943 ...

Aramark

Lead Cook

Beaverton, OR

$18 - $23/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 ...

Aramark

Lead Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$18 - $23/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 ...

Aramark

Lead Cook

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$18 - $23/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 ...

Peachtree Hospitality Management

Lead Cook

Hillsboro, OR

$18 - $23/hr

We are seeking an excellent cook that will follow instructions in cooking and delivering well-prepared meals. They must be deft in moving around the kitchen and apt in multi-tasking. Experience in ...

Peachtree Hospitality Management

Lead Cook

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We are seeking an excellent cook that will follow instructions in cooking and delivering well-prepared meals. They must be deft in moving around the kitchen and apt in multi-tasking. Experience in ...

Compass Group

Concession Lead Cook

Portland, OR

$31.25/hr

Concession Lead Cook at the Oregon Convention Center Pay : $31.25 We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1537017 . The ...

Compass Group

Concession Lead Cook

Portland, OR

$31.25/hr

Concession Lead Cook at the Oregon Convention Center Pay : $31.25 We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1537017 . The ...

Compass Group

Concession Lead Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$31.25/hr

Concession Lead Cook at the Oregon Convention Center Pay : $31.25 We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000 and search requisition ID number 1537017 The ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR · On-site

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Saint Helens, OR

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Lead Line Cook American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Lead Line Cooks to our shipboard team for the 2026 season on America's rivers. Our shipboard team ...

PeaceHealth

Cook Lead - Hospice House

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$24.01 - $36.06/hr

PeaceHealth is seeking a Cook Lead - Hospice House for a Part Time, 0.50 FTE, Day position. The salary range for this job opening at PeaceHealth is $24.01 - $36.06. The hiring rate is dependent upon ...

PeaceHealth

Cook Lead - Hospice House

Vancouver, WA

$24.01 - $36.06/hr

Description PeaceHealth is seeking a Cook Lead - Hospice House for a Part Time, 0.50 FTE, Day position. The salary range for this job opening at PeaceHealth is $24.01 - $36.06. The hiring rate is ...

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Lead Cook information

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How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in Portland, OR is $20.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $22.45 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.

More about Lead Cook jobs
What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs in Portland, OR? For Lead Cook jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Cook jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Cook jobs in Portland, OR are:
Lead Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,398 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Lead Cook

Portland State University

Portland, OR • On-site

$19.36 - $21.91/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Portland State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Announcement
Position Details
Proposed Start Date
08/03/2026
Classification Title
Cook 2
Working Title
Lead Cook
Department
260401 - CDC Helen Gordon Office
Position Number
D99943
Representation
OP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503
Position FTE
1.0
End date, if applicable
Position Summary
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Helen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children's programs for Portland State University, serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, the Centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of Portland State University students, faculty and staff, and the Portland community. The Centers are a laboratory for students and faculty participating in observation, practice and research activities in Early Childhood Education, Child, Youth and Family Studies, psychology, and related fields. HGCDC is accredited by the National Association for theEducation of Young Children.
Position Summary
The Lead Cook assists the Food Program Coordinator in the responsibility of preparing three nutritious meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack) for the children of the program. Following USDA/CACFP guidelines; for ordering food and kitchen supplies; for menu planning; inventory; for writing recipes; and for organizing and maintaining a full-service kitchen at an assigned HGCDC program. The Lead Cook assists the Food Program Coordinator in delegating and overseeing the daily work of the kitchen for meal preparation and clean up and the responsibility for ensuring that meals are individualized as needed to accommodate food allergies and family preferences.
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
-Two years of cooking experience in an institution or commercial firm serving complete meals; OR
-An Associates degree in Food Service Management, Foods and Hospitality Service, or a directly-related field.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience with young children.
• Prior experience with childcare, school, or institutional food service.
• Knowledge of USDA/CACFP program guidelines.
Key Cultural Competencies
  • Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
  • Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
  • Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
  • Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.

Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours
Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, schedule to be determined
Total Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting salary rate for this position will be between $19.36 and $21.91 per hour. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
PSU's excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities
Application Instructions
Additional Information
Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)
Under work sample, please provide a sample weekly menu that meets the United States Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines for children 0-5 years old.
Please list the names, telephone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.
Background Check Required
Yes
If you have questions
Please reach out to Erin Burns at eam@pdx.edu.
Search Details
Posting Close Date
Application screening begins
07/13/2026

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About Portland State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Portland State University (PSU) is a renowned institution located in Portland, Oregon. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, PSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, preparing students for successful careers. The university's faculty members are experts in their fields, providing a high-quality education in a dynamic learning environment. PSU is deeply connected to its community, actively engaging in initiatives that address local and global challenges. With a focus on sustainability, social justice, and community outreach, PSU strives to make a positive impact in Portland and beyond. Situated in a vibrant city known for its livability and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, PSU offers students a unique and enriching educational experience that equips them to shape a better future.

Industry

Education

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1946

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