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Lead Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canteen Services

Lead Cook

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Now Hiring: Full-Time Lead Cook DeKalb County Jail | Auburn, Indiana Looking for More Than Just a Kitchen Job? If you're a dependable leader who enjoys cooking, mentoring others, and being part of a ...

The Owl Bar

lead cook

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Lead Cook Opportunity at The Owl Bar in Baltimore, MD Are you passionate about creating exceptional culinary experiences and ready to take the next big step in your career? The Owl Bar, a historic ...

Troon Golf

Lead Cook

Georgetown, TX · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Key Responsibilities of the Lead Cook: * Incorporates safe work practices in job performance. * Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and standards. * Lead and coordinate ...

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

Lead Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Lead Cook * This position is responsible for leading a team of line cooks to ensure dishes are prepared and served to company standards by giving daily instructions and ...

Tigg's Canteen Services

Lead Cook

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Now Hiring: Full-Time Lead Cook DeKalb County Jail | Auburn, Indiana Looking for More Than Just a Kitchen Job? If you're a dependable leader who enjoys cooking, mentoring others, and being part of a ...

Times Supermarkets

Lead Cook

Kailua, HI · On-site

$20.75/hr

Lead Cook Department: Food Service Direct Supervisor: Kitchen Manager or Chef FLSA Status: Non- Exempt Starting rate of pay: $20.75/hr Company Benefits: Flexible Hours Employee Discount 10 Paid ...

Broadway Proper Senior Living

Lead Cook

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Broadway Proper Senior Living is seeking a dedicated Lead Cook to join our team in Tucson, AZ. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, preparing high-quality ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Lead Cook

Lebanon, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Broadway Proper Senior Living

Lead Cook

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Broadway Proper Senior Living is seeking a dedicated Lead Cook to join our team in Tucson, AZ. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, preparing high-quality ...

Savant Senior Living

Lead Cook

Riverside, CA · On-site

$22 - $24.50/hr

The lead cook will report to the Culinary Director. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to all components of the above position summary the following "Essential Duties and ...

Chowgirls Catering

Lead Cook

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

LEAD COOK Part Time - Hourly Non-Benefited Position The Lead Cook helps oversee daily kitchen production to ensure the highest quality food while maintaining Chowgirls' recipes and standards.

UMOM New Day Centers

Lead Cook

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$23.50 - $25/hr

The Lead Cook position contributes to UMOM's mission to restore hope, rebuild lives, and end homelessness by cooking and creating meals in the areas of Residential Dining or Helpings Café and ...

Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine

Lead Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Lead Cook * This position is responsible for leading a team of line cooks to ensure dishes are prepared and served to company standards by giving daily instructions and feedback to the team * At ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Lead Cook

Jackson, MI

$15.75 - $20/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Lead Cook

Lebanon, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Otterbein Senior Life

Lead Cook

Jackson, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

SM Restaurants, Inc

Lead Cook

Tampa, FL · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Description Lead Cook * This position is responsible for leading a team of line cooks to ensure dishes are prepared and served to company standards by giving daily instructions and feedback to the ...

Otterbein SeniorLife

Lead Cook

Jackson, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

The Lead Cook participates in the preparation, cooking and serving of all food items to residents, guests, and partners under strict sanitary conditions. Perform other appropriate related tasks and ...

Alsos Behavioral Health

Lead Cook

Westerville, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Lead Cook REPORTS TO: Dietary Manager DEPARTMENT: Dietary FLSA STATUS: Exempt OVERVIEW: Lead Cook is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the kitchen and ensuring the preparation and ...

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Lead Cook information

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$19

$25

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead cook in the United States is $19.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.15 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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For Lead Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in the United States 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 $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Lead Cook

Back A Yard Caribbean American Gril

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Employee discounts
  • Flexible schedule
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

Company: Back A Yard Caribbean Grill
Job Title: Lead Cook
Reports To: General Manager
About Our Restaurants: Join our vibrant culinary team at Back A Yard Caribbean Grill! We are passionate about delivering authentic and delicious Caribbean flavors, creating memorable dining experiences for our guests. We're looking for a talented and dedicated Lead Cook to help us maintain our high standards of quality and efficiency in the kitchen.
Job Summary: The Lead Cook plays a crucial role in the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef/Kitchen Manager in daily operations, ensuring food quality, and guiding the culinary team. This position requires strong cooking skills, leadership abilities, and a commitment to maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. The Lead Cook will be responsible for executing dishes to perfection, managing station efficiency, and contributing to a positive and productive kitchen culture.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Culinary Execution:

    • Prepare and cook all menu items according to established recipes, portion sizes, and quality standards.
    • Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented consistently and to the highest culinary standards.
    • Monitor food quality during all stages of preparation and service.
    • Manage assigned station during service, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery of orders.
  • Kitchen Leadership & Support:

    • Assist the Head Chef in overseeing kitchen operations during shifts.
    • Provide guidance, coaching, and support to other kitchen staff (line cooks, prep cooks).
    • Help train new kitchen team members on recipes, techniques, and station procedures.
    • Maintain a positive and respectful working environment in the kitchen.
  • Inventory & Cost Control:

    • Assist with inventory management, including receiving, proper storage, and rotation of food products.
    • Monitor food waste and implement strategies to minimize spoilage and maximize yield.
    • Ensure proper labeling and dating of all food items.
  • Quality Control & Sanitation:

    • Adhere strictly to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations (HACCP, local health codes).
    • Maintain cleanliness and organization of all kitchen areas, equipment, and workstations.
    • Conduct regular checks to ensure equipment is functioning properly and safely.
  • Communication & Collaboration:

    • Communicate effectively with FOH staff regarding menu items, specials, and potential delays.
    • Collaborate with the Head Chef on menu development, specials, and operational improvements.
    • Address and resolve minor kitchen issues or conflicts promptly.
Qualifications:

  • 1-3 years of experience as a Line Cook or similar role in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
  • Proven experience with Caribbean cuisine preferred, but not required.
  • Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, knife skills, and kitchen equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team.
  • Excellent understanding of food safety and sanitation principles.
  • Ability to work efficiently under pressure and maintain composure during busy periods.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • Comfortable working in a hot and fast-paced kitchen environment.
Benefits:

  • Competitive hourly wage
  • Opportunity for growth and advancement
  • Employee meal discounts

To Apply: If you are a passionate and experienced cook looking for a leadership opportunity in a dynamic Caribbean restaurant, we encourage you to apply! Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience to hr@backayard.net