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Lead Cook Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

So-Cal Boys Restaurant Group Inc

Kitchen Lead

Ontario, CA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

Restock any necessary cook station items as needed throughout the shift. * Conduct accurate food inventory and place necessary orders to ensure quality and execution. * Follow ordering and delivery ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Hemet, CA · On-site

$18.57 - $23.22/hr

Our Cooks have the option to explore exciting opportunities for advancement in positions such as Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$19.38 - $24.23/hr

Our Cooks have the option to explore exciting opportunities for advancement in positions such as Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Corona, CA · On-site

$18.57 - $23.22/hr

Our Cooks have the option to explore exciting opportunities for advancement in positions such as Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you ...

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Cook

Loma Linda, CA · On-site

$18.57 - $23.22/hr

Our Cooks have the option to explore exciting opportunities for advancement in positions such as Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Redlands, CA

$20/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Crewmember

Hesperia, CA

$20/hr

Whether you have experience as a customer service associate, retail team member, cashier, restaurant server, kitchen lead, cook, prep cook, drive thru cashier or any other restaurant or service ...

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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 Jul 2, 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 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 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
Heart of House Lead (Montclair, CA)

Heart of House Lead (Montclair, CA)

World Wide Wings, LLC

Montclair, CA • On-site

$19 - $23.12/hr

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

JOB PURPOSE:
This position is responsible for the preparation and production of all Buffalo Wild Wings menu items. Several roles within this position include the Chip, Shake, Grill, Southwest, and Expo stations.
CORE JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prep and Portion
  • Get prep list from Manager on Duty (MOD) and prep items according to the need of the shift
  • Ensure you are using proper containers, filling to appropriate fill lines, and following FDIR and FIFO procedures
  • Clean, sanitize, and put away prep items when finished
  • Portion appropriate items according to MOD's requirements
  • Track all waste on Waste Sheet per Company Standard Procedures

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 quality of the shortening/oil as outlined in the Fryer Rotation Chart and Shortening Management Reference Guide.
  • The Chip position is also responsible for maintaining a sanitary and clean kitchen workstation.
  • Grill Station Responsible for all preparation of grilled items prepared in the kitchen of the
  • restaurant.
  • 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.
  • The Grill Station is also responsible for maintaining a sanitary and clean kitchen work station.

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
  • Prime the sauce buckets - priming rules do not apply to seasoning buckets
  • Ensure hot wing holding drawers are turned on, are at 180°F with the vents open
  • Weigh wings to determine cooking time for shift

Southwest Station
  • Responsible for all preparation of wraps, salads, flatbreads, etc.
  • Responsible for maintaining cold rail and making sure food is properly stocked
  • Responsible for maintaining and sanitary and clean work station

Expo Station
  • The Expo position functions 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.
  • This position also controls food presentation, quality assurance and timeliness of food delivery.

Shift Change Responsibilities
  • Clean and stock each station following FIFO guidelines
  • Ensure all soap and sanitizer buckets are changed minimally every four hours
  • Empty any trash containers that need to be emptied
  • Wash all necessary dishes
  • Wash all sauce and seasoning buckets
  • Notify MOD of any equipment that is not working properly or not being help to proper temperatures
  • Ensure LDIR and FIFO methods are being followed at all times
  • Help other stations as needed
  • Skim, polish, filter, dump fryers - follow your restaurant's filtering schedule
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor

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.
Knowledge/Skills:
• Knowledge of proper sanitation, food safety, and security procedures
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Skill in time management and organization with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to take direction and execute team and company objectives
• Knowledge of specs, cook times, plate presentation, etc.
• CSK/KDU/ticket order management system
Freedom to Act:
• Comply with all specs, quality standards, and department rules and procedures
• Take direction from outside and inside Expo
Size and Complexity:
• 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 being on time for scheduled shifts
Interaction:
• WOW our Team Members by providing the same respect, positive encouragement, and fair treatment within the organization that we expect Team Members to share externally with every guest
• Maintain positive working relationships with all Team Members and managers
• Work as a contributing member of a team
External Relationships:
• WOW our guests every day by achieving the highest level of satisfaction with an extraordinary focus on friendly service, food, fun, and value
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Required
• Minimum 16 years of age (State Minor Laws Supersede)
Preferred
• Prior experience working in restaurant or retail environment

Apply