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Lead Cook Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The Yay Company

Prep Cook - Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$20/hr

They support the Lead Cook with mise en place, handle labeling and staging of finished product, and help pack orders for delivery. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role in a commercial kitchen ...

Drift Coffee & Kitchen

Lead Line Cook

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$20/hr

Cooks ensure our kitchen is set up for success with fresh, ready-to-use ingredients. What You'll Do: * Prep all items according to prep sheet * Assist in cleaning, storing and organizing deliveries

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 ...

White Lodging Careers

Lead Line Cook - Jimmy Vs

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Mentor and collaborate with Entry and Senior Line Cooks, apprentices, and stewards while managing daily preparation and production in the food outlet. * Follow company F&B procedures, health ...

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All JobsLead Cook JobsLead Cook Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Lead Cook information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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.

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Lead Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,860 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Prep Cook - Raleigh

The Yay Company

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Prep Cook (Cardinal Gibbons)

Role Overview
The Prep Cook keeps the kitchen stocked and production moving. They support the Lead Cook with mise en place, handle labeling and staging of finished product, and help pack orders for delivery. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role in a commercial kitchen environment where anticipation, accuracy, and consistency are the standard.

Who You Report To
Your Kitchen Manager, with day-to-day direction coming from the Lead Cook during production.

Core Responsibilities

Kitchen Prep Support

  • Handle mise en place for the Lead Cook - washing, chopping, weighing, and portioning ingredients in the order they are needed
  • Keep the Lead Cook's station clear between production runs so they always have a clean surface to work on
  • Anticipate what is needed next and have it ready - the Lead Cook should never have to stop production for something you should have already done

Labeling & Staging

  • Label every item the moment it is filled or packed - item name, date, quantity, and use-by date, no exceptions
  • Stage items by order, route, or pickup as directed by the Kitchen Manager
  • Record quantities staged on the production sheet and notify the Kitchen Manager when staging is complete

Packing & Delivery Support

  • Pack orders for delivery per the Kitchen Manager's production and route schedule - correct quantities, correctly labeled, staged in the right order
  • Load and transport product safely and on time when delivery is part of your role, maintaining temperature standards throughout
  • Confirm handoff with the receiving contact and flag any discrepancies immediately to the Kitchen Manager
  • Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license required for roles that include delivery

Cleaning & Kitchen Support

  • Clean as you go - clear the Lead Cook's station, wipe down surfaces, and wash and sanitize equipment between tasks
  • Participate fully in end-of-shift kitchen breakdown - this is a team effort
  • Clock out on BambooHR on location at your actual end time

Day at a Glance

  • Opening - Set up your prep station, pull ingredients as directed by the Lead Cook, and begin mise en place before production starts.
  • Production - Execute prep tasks in the order the Lead Cook needs them. Label everything as it is packed or staged. If your role includes delivery, pack and load orders before your route window.
  • Closing - Clean your area, rotate remaining stock, and assist with full kitchen breakdown.

What Success Looks Like

  • The Lead Cook never has to stop production to do something you should have already handled
  • Every item leaving the kitchen is labeled correctly, every time
  • Deliveries go out on time, at temperature, and with zero packing errors
  • Your section of the kitchen is clean and organized from open to close

What We're Looking For

  • Experience in a kitchen or food production environment - you know how to move with urgency and purpose
  • Strong attention to detail - labeling, staging, and portioning accuracy are non-negotiable
  • Reliable and self-directed - you don't wait to be told what needs doing; you see it and handle it
  • A team player who takes ownership of their station and shows up for the people around them
  • Comfortable on the road if delivery is part of your role - reliable transportation and a valid driver's license required
  • Food handler's certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire

What We Offer

  • Competitive hourly pay
  • A high-growth, mission-driven company where your work directly impacts what kids eat every day
  • A team that values accountability, transparency, and operators who take pride in their craft
  • Real opportunity to grow within TYC as we expand into new markets
  • Working Hours 9am-3pm (30 hours a week)
Employment Type: PART_TIME

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