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Lead Cook Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Aramark

Lead Cook - CBRE - GSK Zebulon

Zebulon, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/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 ...

Hwy 55 of Garner, NC

Lead cook-Garner

Garner, NC · On-site

$8.50 - $14/hr

Hwy 55 is looking for folks with great hustle and competitive drive to join our cook team. If you have awesome energy and thrive in a fast-paced environment, you may be a good fit for us! Flexible ...

Crooked Hammock Brewery

Lead Line Cook

Raleigh, NC

$20/hr

Lead Line Cook Summary of Position: Crooked Hammock Brewery is excited to open in Raleigh this spring, and we're building an incredible team to help bring this new location to life! Our focus is on ...

Crooked Hammock Brewery

Lead Line Cook

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$20/hr

Lead Line Cook Summary of Position: Crooked Hammock Brewery is excited to open in Raleigh this spring, and we're building an incredible team to help bring this new location to life! Our focus is on ...

Kenly 95 Petro

Line Cook

Kenly, NC · On-site

$15/hr

Opportunities for growth into Lead Cook or Kitchen Management roles. * Supportive, team-focused work environment. Our Company is family-owned and operated since 1964! Kenly 95 is committed to ...

Advocate Aurora Health

Cook Lead AHWFB

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$21.85 - $32.80/hr

Notifies Manager/Team Leader if adjustments are needed. 10. Completes batch cooking logs daily. 11. Prepares food according to departmental policy and procedures using standardized recipes to ensure ...

AEG

Lead Cook - Coastal Credit Union Music Park

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... cooking area • Perform duties as required to accomplish delivery of concessions menu • Requires some cooking experience and willingness to learn • Maintain a professional attitude and ...

CORBITT PARTNERS LLC

Grill Line Cook

Kenly, NC

$14 - $15/hr

Opportunities for growth into Lead Cook or Kitchen Management roles * Supportive, team-focused work environment Our Company is family-owned and operated since 1964! Kenly 95 is committed to providing ...

Kenly 95 Petro Truckstop

Grill Line Cook

Kenly, NC · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

Opportunities for growth into Lead Cook or Kitchen Management roles * Supportive, team-focused work environment Our Company is family-owned and operated since 1964! Kenly 95 is committed to providing ...

Kenly 95 Petro

Grill Line Cook

Kenly, NC · On-site

$14/hr

Opportunities for growth into Lead Cook or Kitchen Management roles * Supportive, team-focused work environment Our Company is family-owned and operated since 1964! Kenly 95 is committed to providing ...

Phoenix Senior Living

Cook

Durham, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Responsible to effectively manage all food production in the absence of the Lead Cook or Food and Beverage Director. Responsible for handling all foods in accordance with sanitary procedures and ...

Phoenix Senior Living

Cook

Durham, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Responsible to effectively manage all food production in the absence of the Lead Cook or Food and Beverage Director. Responsible for handling all foods in accordance with sanitary procedures and ...

Phoenix Senior Living

Cook

Durham, NC · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

Responsible to effectively manage all food production in the absence of the Lead Cook or Food and Beverage Director. Responsible for handling all foods in accordance with sanitary procedures and ...

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Lead Cook information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in Raleigh, NC is $18.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.58 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 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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2000 a day often include high-level executive roles, specialized medical professionals, certain consulting positions, and successful entrepreneurs. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, or ownership of a business, and may involve long hours or high responsibility levels.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

Executive chefs and head cooks typically earn the highest salaries among cooking professions, especially in fine dining restaurants, hotels, or private clubs. These roles often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and culinary certifications, and they can command six-figure incomes in some markets.

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.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Lead cooks in high-end restaurants or private clubs can earn around $10,000 per month with extensive experience, strong culinary skills, and management responsibilities. Achieving this income typically requires years of experience, a good reputation, and sometimes additional certifications or specialized training. Such roles often involve long hours and high-pressure environments but do not require a formal college degree.

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 Raleigh, NC? For Lead Cook jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Cook jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Cook jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Lead Cook jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Lead Cook job openings:
Lead Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,860 per year, or $18.7 per hour.
Lead Cook - CBRE - GSK Zebulon

Lead Cook - CBRE - GSK Zebulon

Aramark

Zebulon, NC • On-site

$14.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Aramark rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 1,216 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

336th of 428 rated business services

Job description

Job Description
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 this role should safely handle knives and equipment including grills, fryers, ovens, broilers, etc. The Lead Cook may supervise employees and delegate responsibilities. The responsibilities of the position may vary by location based on client requirements and business needs.
Job Responsibilities
  • Schedules and assigns daily work activities to staff and supervises the completion of tasks.
  • Trains and guides staff on job duties, standard food safety and sanitation procedures, cooking methods, etc.
  • 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, chopping, trimming, and peeling food items
  • Safely uses all food utensils including knives
  • Operates equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc.
  • Bakes, roasts, broils, steams, and uses a variety of cooking methods on meats, vegetables, and other foods
  • Arranges, garnishes, and portions food following established guidelines
  • Properly stores food by following food safety policies and procedures
  • Cleans and sanitizes work areas, equipment, and utensils
  • Maintains excellent customer service with a positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.
  • Follows Aramark safety policies and procedures including food safety and sanitation
  • Ensures security of company assets
  • Produces and maintains work schedules and may prepare production records.

At Aramark, developing new skills and doing what it takes to get the job done make a positive impact for our employees and for our customers. In order to meet our commitments, job duties may change or new ones may be assigned without formal notice.
Qualifications
  • Previous supervisor experience in a related role preferred
  • Experience as a cook or related role required
  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision required
  • Proven knowledge of the basic principles of food preparation, various cooking methods, and food safety regulations such as proper food handling, sanitation, and storage
  • Food safety certification required
  • Demonstrates basic math and counting skills
  • Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal

This role may have physical demands including, but not limited to, lifting, bending, pushing, pulling and/or extended walking and standing. This role may also require uniforms and/or usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Education
About Aramark
Our Mission
Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.
At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.
About Aramark
The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

What Aramark employees say

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About Aramark

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food, facilities, and uniform services in 19 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Industry

Hospitality services and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

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