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Lead Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Cook

Lebanon, OH

$15.75 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Cook - FT

Miami, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Completes cooks and utility aides performance appraisals and competencies in the absence of the lead cook. 3 Demonstrates working knowledge of food service sanitation; uses accepted techniques in ...

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.

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.

Lead Cook

Monroe, OH · On-site

$16.50 - $21/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 ...

Lead Cook

Saint Francis, WI · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Lead Cook - Saint Francis de Sales Seminary Saint Francis de Sales Seminary is seeking a skilled and dedicated Lead Cook to join our culinary team in St. Francis, WI. The ideal candidate will have ...

Lead Cook

Kaneohe, HI

$20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Cook

Lebanon, OH · On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

Lead Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Lead Cook -- hed 11 (Michelin-Recognized Thai Fine Dining, San Francisco) hed 11 is a Michelin-recognized Thai tasting menu restaurant in San Francisco, part of East West Cuisine Hospitality -- a ...

Lead Cook

Lebanon, OH

$15.75 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Cook

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$21 - $25.30/hr

Join us as a Lead Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age ...

Lead Cook

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$21 - $25.30/hr

Join us as a Lead Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age ...

Lead Cook

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$20.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 • ...

Lead Cook

Chesterfield, MO · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

LEAD COOK Are you an experienced LEAD COOK looking to join a growing multiple concept company and grow your career? Prime Hospitality Group (PHG) is seeking a Lead Cook to join the AC Marriott team ...

Rite of Passage Team is hiring a Lead Cook at Norris Academy in Andersonville, TN Are you ready to make an IMPACT from day one? Nestled just outside the Great Smoky Mountains, around 30 miles North ...

New

Lead Cook

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$21 - $25.30/hr

Join us as a Lead Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age ...

Lead Cook

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$21 - $25.30/hr

Join us as a Lead Cook and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! Applicants must be at least 18 years of age ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Cook information

See salary details

$11

$19

$25

How much do lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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.

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.

What cities are hiring for Lead Cook jobs? Cities with the most Lead Cook job openings:
What states have the most Lead Cook jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Cook jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Cook jobs? For Lead Cook jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lead Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

$15.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Otterbein SeniorLife rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 240 rated social care providers


Job description

**Now Offering DailyPay**

Overview

Otterbein is currently seeking a talented Lead Cook to join our team at our vibrant, not-for-profit retirement community. 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 all unrelated assigned duties as determined by the supervisors.

Shift: Full-Time 10a-6:30p

Responsibilities
  • Reads menu to estimate food requirements. Procures food from storage. 
  • Prepares and cooks food in accordance with company standards.
  • Measures and mixes ingredients according to recipes, uses a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment, such as blenders, mixers, grinders, choppers, slicers, ovens, cook tops, to prepare soups, salads, gravies, desserts, sauces, casseroles and other menu items.
  • Bakes, roast, steams, broils, fry's meats, fish, poultry, vegetables and other foods.
  • Adds seasoning to food during mixing and cooking, according to recipe. Discusses necessary recipe adjustments with supervisor.
  • Observes and test food being cooked by tasting, smelling, and taking temperatures to determine that it is cooked to the proper level of doneness.
  • Carves meats, portions food in serving pans or on serving plates, adds gravies, sauces, and garnishes to panned and plated foods.
  • May wash, peel, cut and shred vegetables and fruits to prepare them for use.
  • May butcher chickens, fish, meats.
  • May bake breads, rolls and pastries.
  • Maintains sanitation and orderliness of all equipment, supplies and utensils in work area.
  • Coordinates work with other food service employees to prevent waste and to facilitate utilization of any overproduction.
  • Responsible for replenishing food and items providing back up on service line for dining center customers.
  • Selects and develops recipes were needed.
  • Cooks and otherwise prepares foods according to recipes.
  • Cuts, trims, bones and carves meats and poultry for cooking.
  • Portions cooked foods as to size of portions and methods of garnishing.
  • Follows prep sheet in order to prepare items for next day’s meals.
Qualifications

Education: High School diploma or GED preferred

Experience: 2 to 5 year’s cooking experience in LTC or similar setting preferred

BENEFITS*

Health & Wellness

  • Medical Insurance with free virtual doctor visits
  • Vision & Dental Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support

Financial Security

  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) that accrues immediately from day one
  • Paid Holidays for a healthy work-life balance
  • Access to DailyPay, enabling you to access up to 100% of your earned wages on a daily basis
  • Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year for ANY field of study
  • Tuition Discounts through exclusive partnerships with the University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, and Hondros College
  • Employee-Sponsored Crisis Fund available for those facing unforeseen challenges
  • Legal & Identity Theft Protection

Growth & Development

  • University Partnerships with University of Cincinnati, University of Toledo, and Hondros College for exclusive tuition discounts
  • Multiple Partner Discounts available for various products and services through Access Perks
  • Access to 1,000s of hours of personal and professional development material through RightNow Media @ Work

 *Some benefits, including PTO and tuition reimbursement, are based on hours worked.

Apply today and begin a meaningful career as a Lead Cook at Otterbein!

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About Otterbein SeniorLife

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Otterbein SeniorLife is a health and human services industry institution based in Lebanon, OH, US. Established in 1912, the organization has a century-old heritage of providing senior-focused services. Otterbein SeniorLife offers a full spectrum of health and human services including continuing care retirement communities and home health and hospice services. Upholding the values of inclusiveness, quality, innovation, and stewardship, the organization is widely recognized as a faith-based, non-profit ministry. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life and holistic growth of older persons.

Industry

Nursing and residential care facilities

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lebanon, OH, US

Year founded

1912