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Lead Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Canteen Services

Lead Cook

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$25/hr

As a Lead Cook, you will play an important role in the daily operation of the kitchen. You will help lead kitchen staff, assist with meal preparation, follow established recipes and procedures, and ...

Times Supermarkets

Lead Cook

Kaneohe, 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

$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 ...

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 ...

AC Marriott

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 ...

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 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 ...

AMF

Lead Cook

Somerset, MA · On-site

$20 - $22/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 ...

Lucky Strike Entertainment

Lead Cook

Somerset, MA · On-site

$20 - $22/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 ...

AMF

Lead Cook

Somerset, MA · On-site

$20 - $22/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 ...

Elior North America

Lead Cook

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Lead Cook Job Reference Number: 41975 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced Lead Cook to work ...

Larkin Community Hospital

Lead Cook - FT

South 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 ...

Sodexo Villa Rafaella

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Lead Cook

Pleasantville, NJ · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Lead Cook Position Type: Full-Time Location: Pleasantville, NJ Department: Dining Services / Culinary Operations Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced, organized, and dedicated Lead Cook to ...

Canteen Services

Lead Cook

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$21/hr

Dual Full-Time Permanent Lead Cook Looking for a Leadership Opportunity in Food Service? Are you a dependable, motivated individual who takes pride in doing quality work? Do you have strong character ...

Corporate-Chefs

Lead Cook

Minnetonka, MN · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Lead Cook Job Reference Number: 41975 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events Brand: Corporate-Chefs The Role at a glance: We are looking to add an experienced Lead Cook to work ...

Otterbein Senior Life

Lead Cook

Lebanon, OH

$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 ...

Canteen Services

Lead Cook

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$18/hr

We're seeking a Full-Time Lead Cook to oversee daily meal preparation and help lead our kitchen team at the DeKalb County Jail in Auburn, Indiana.Why You'll Love This OpportunityCompetitive ...

AMF

Lead Cook

Somerset, MA · On-site

$20 - $22/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 ...

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Lead Cook information

See salary details

$11

$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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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

Canteen Services

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Temporary Full-Time Lead CookWashtenaw County Jail - Ann Arbor, MIJoin the Tigg's Canteen Services Team!Are you a dependable, motivated individual who takes pride in providing quality meals and enjoys working in a structured environment? Do you have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the ability to lead and work as part of a team?Tigg's Canteen Services is looking for a Temporary Full-Time Lead Cook to join our food service team at the Washtenaw County Jail in Ann Arbor, Michigan.As a Lead Cook, you will play an important role in the daily operation of the kitchen. You will help lead kitchen staff, assist with meal preparation, follow established recipes and procedures, and ensure meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and according to company standards.What We OfferWe offer a competitive wage and benefits package, including:Starting pay of $25.00 per hourMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision Insurance401(k)Paid Time OffAnd much more!What You'll DoLeading, directing, and assisting inmates within the kitchenPreparing meals according to company recipes and established procedures.Assisting with food preparation, baking, cooking, portioning, and meal service.Helping maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.Following all company policies, procedures, food safety requirements, and facility guidelines.Working effectively with coworkers and facility personnel in a structured correctional environment.Assisting with kitchen clean-up and other duties as assigned.QualificationsThe ideal candidate will have:The ability to work well in a structured correctional environment.The ability to read, understand, and follow company recipes and instructions.Strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.A dependable and positive attitude.The ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.The ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.The ability to lead, instruct, and assist others with daily kitchen responsibilities.RequirementsHigh school diploma or equivalent.Ability to work weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.Flexibility to work varying shifts and hours between 5:00 AM and 8:30 PM.Successful clearance and approval to work inside the facility.Previous food service, cooking, or kitchen experience is a plus, but it is not required. We are willing to train the right person!If you are dependable, hardworking, willing to learn, and looking for an opportunity to use your kitchen and leadership skills in a professional environment, we would love to hear from you!Ready to Join Our Team?Visit www.canteenservices.com to learn more about Tigg's Canteen Services.Click on "Jobs" and follow the link and instructions to apply.Come be part of the Tigg's Canteen Services team!
Job Posted by ApplicantPro