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Lead Cook Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

SC Wings Block, LLC

Kitchen Lead

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$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 ...

sweetgreen

Culinary 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 ...

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

Culinary 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

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 ...

Embassy Suites Anaheim North

Comp Food Cook

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Cook JobsLead Cook Jobs in Riverside, CA

Lead Cook information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$20

$26

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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.

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 Riverside, CA? For Lead Cook jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Cook jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Cook jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Lead Cook jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Lead Cook job openings:
Lead Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,709 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Kitchen Lead

SC Wings Block, LLC

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Opportunity for Growth
  • Dynamic Environment
  • Team Member Discount
  • Flexible schedule

Wings. Beer. Sports. It's what we do! We bring big game-time energy to our guests without being at the stadium.
The Kitchen Lead is the go-to person in the BWW Kitchen. The Kitchen Lead is expected to supervise and lead the kitchen team in a way that creates a positive atmosphere and a smooth operation. Ultimately, an exceptional Kitchen Lead should be able to work in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills
General Lead Responsibilities:
  • Retrieve the prep list from the Manager on Duty (MOD) and help delegate prep items to the Heart of House team
  • Assist in preparing ingredients needed for daily operation
  • Track all waste on the Waste Sheet per Company Standard Procedures]
  • Notify MOD of any equipment that is not working properly or not being held to proper temperatures
  • Supervise the work of the kitchen team to ensure that all stations (chip, shake, grill, southwest, and expo) are completed in the proper manner
  • Ensure that all cooking stations are adequately stocked with the necessary ingredients and cooking equipment.
  • Ensure that all cooking stations and kitchen surfaces are cleaned and disinfected before and after each shift
  • Maintain standard food rotation practices to reduce food wastage and minimize the risk of contamination
  • Assess the quality of delivered food supplies to ensure that it meets restaurant standards.
  • Assist in the management of food waste control
  • Assist in ordering and tracking inventory
  • Provide a welcoming and positive work environment for the Heart of House team
As a Kitchen Lead, you will also be expected to lend a hand in the following workstations throughout your shift.
Chip Station:

  • Responsible for all preparation of fried chips, wedges, and onion rings prepared in the kitchen of the restaurant. Ensure all chip coolers are clean and free of extra debris
  • The Chip position portions and prepares food items prior to cooking in accordance with the Chip Packaging Chart.
  • Other duties include maintaining the fryers and the quality of the shortening/oil as outlined in the Fryer Rotation Chart and Shortening Management Reference Guide.
  • Job Title Kitchen Lead Department Heart of House 
  • Reports To Kitchen Manager Position Level Management
Grill Station:
  • Prepares all grilled items such as chicken breast, and burger patties
  • The Grill person portions and prepares food items prior to cooking in accordance with the Prep Sheets and Grill Station Chart.
  • Other duties include maintaining the grill and quality of the products outlined in the Prep Sheets and Grill Station Guide.
Shake Station:

  • Ensure all sauce pumps are cleaned, filled, and in working order
  • Ensure all sauce and seasoning buckets have been washed and dried
  • Ensure all seasoning shakers are clean, filled no more than ¾ full
  • Ensure hot wing holding drawers are turned on, and are at 180°F with the vents open
  • Weigh wings to determine cooking time
Southwest Station:

  • Responsible for all preparation of wraps, salads, flatbreads, etc.
  • Responsible for maintaining cold rail and making sure food is properly stocked
Expo Station:
  • Act as the communication link between and among the kitchen line and the front of the house to ensure the coordination and smooth flow of quality products being produced and served to customers.
  • Control food presentation, quality assurance, and timeliness of food delivery.
Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED.
  • At least 1 year experience in a similar lead position
  • Sound knowledge of food health and safety regulations
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Exceptional organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
The physical demands for this position require the individual to sit, stand, bend, lift up to 30 pounds, and move intermittently during working hours. These physical requirements may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations. The duties of this position may change from time to time. Buffalo Wild Wings reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Buffalo Wild Wings or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.
Requirements:

  • Ability to follow specific service time and guidelines
  • Ability to maintain a high degree of pace and intensity for an extended period of time
  • Must be reliable and dependable by adhering to a schedule, covering shifts as necessary, and 
Company Information
You are applying for work with a franchisee of Buffalo Wild Wings, not Buffalo Wild Wings International, Inc. Any information you submit will be provided solely to the franchisee. If hired, the franchisee, SC Wings, LLC will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who are solely responsible for their own employees and set their own wage and benefit programs that can vary among franchisees.