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Lead Cook Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

SC Wings Block, LLC

Kitchen Lead

Mission Viejo, CA

$21 - $24/hr

The Kitchen Lead is expected to supervise and lead the kitchen team in a way that creates a ... Ensure that all cooking stations are adequately stocked with the necessary ingredients and cooking ...

HHM Hotels

Comp Food Cook

Anaheim, CA

$22/hr

Potential Career Path Lead Cook - Sous Chef - Executive Chef - Food and Beverage Director Essential Job Functions * Follow recipes to prepare food items accordingly. * Wash, peel, and cut fruits and ...

Prime Pizza

Pizza Cook - Hiring Immediately

Brea, CA

$18 - $22/hr

Can lead cook team to complete tasks, is able to provide direction and training * Maintain and abide by County Health/ Sanitation standards * Positive attitude and being coachable is very important ...

Hersha Hospitality Management LP

Comp Food Cook

Anaheim, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Potential Career Path Lead Cook - Sous Chef - Executive Chef - Food and Beverage Director Essential Job Functions * Follow recipes to prepare food items accordingly. * Wash, peel, and cut fruits and ...

sweetgreen

Tustin - Kitchen Lead

Tustin, CA · On-site

$21.43/hr

You own how our food is prepped, cooked, and presented-and you lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency. This is not a people manager role. You won't write schedules or run ...

Prime Pizza

Prep Cook - Hiring Immediately

Brea, CA

$17 - $22/hr

Can lead cook team to complete tasks, is able to provide direction and training * Maintain and abide by County Health/ Sanitation standards * Positive attitude and being coachable is very important ...

sweetgreen

UC Irvine - Kitchen Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$21.43/hr

You own how our food is prepped, cooked, and presented-and you lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency. This is not a people manager role. You won't write schedules or run ...

sweetgreen

UC Irvine - Kitchen Lead

Irvine, CA

$21.43/hr

You own how our food is prepped, cooked, and presentedand you lead by example through craft, coaching, and consistency. This is not a people manager role. You wont write schedules or run performance ...

Embassy Suites Anaheim North

Comp Food Cook

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Potential Career Path Lead Cook - Sous Chef - Executive Chef - Food and Beverage Director Essential Job Functions * Follow recipes to prepare food items accordingly. * Wash, peel, and cut fruits and ...

Embassy Suites Anaheim North

Comp Food Cook

Anaheim, CA

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Potential Career Path Lead Cook - Sous Chef - Executive Chef - Food and Beverage Director Essential Job Functions * Follow recipes to prepare food items accordingly. * Wash, peel, and cut fruits and ...

Habit Burger & Grill

Kitchen Team Lead

Lake Forest, CA

$20 - $23/hr

... Quarterback, and Lead Cook. In the Kitchen Team Leader position, strong leadership, and ... You will work closely under the management team to train and develop our Cooks; help control food ...

Rock-N-Water

Thousand Pines Cook - Part Time

Crestline, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Food Service Cook/Shift Lead Part Time - $18-$22 Hourly D.O.E Position Overview The Cook / Shift Leader is responsible for leading the food service team in the preparation and service of high-quality ...

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See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

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How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in Riverside, CA is $20.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.07 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.

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Lead Cook jobs near you
Lead Saute Cook

Lead Saute Cook

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Salary: $20-22 per hour

Arroyo Trabuco Golf Clubis a public-access daily fee golf course and includes a full-service restaurant and banquet space for weddings, company meetings, or any other celebration.We are dedicated to providing memorable experiences through our passion for service while cultivating our deeply rooted ties to our heritage and community.


As part of our commitment to our employees, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club offers:


  • Golf privileges
  • Golf Shop discounts
  • Job training
  • Rewards and recognition programs
  • Promotion from within
  • Vacation, Sick & Holiday pay


We are currently looking for experienced Full Time or Part Time Lead Saute Cook to join our kitchen staff. The ideal candidate would be a self-starter and team player who not only has a passion for cooking but enjoys working with people and has the desire to grow and take on more responsibility in the kitchen.


Hours: 1:00 pm to close (approx 10:00 pm). Start time is flexible. Must be available weekends and holidays.


Responsibilities include but are not limited to:


  • Prepare food daily and plate all items in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Maintain kitchen sanitation and safety standards.
  • Follow recipe and presentation guidelines to meet or exceed guests expectations
  • Coordinate food orders to support timely and efficient delivery to each table
  • Fill out prep lists and inventory sheets with accuracy.
  • Supervise food production in the absence of supervisor.
  • Meeting special guest requests while ensuring same high-quality standards


Position Requirements:


  • 2 or more years of experience in a fast paced, fine dining restaurant.
  • Culinary School or certification is preferred.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.
  • Possess current food handler certifications required to work in a restaurant or be able to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
  • Ability to work with management staff and other employees in a professional manner.



Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer