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Lead Food Service Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sentara Healthcare

Food Service Worker II

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Acts as Lead person and leads Food Service Workers in daily food and tray line set up, service and clean up/sanitation. Helps train new staff; conducts inventory, assigns tasks, monitors portion ...

Aramark

Lead Food Service Worker - Justin area

Haslet, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $20/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production ... service with a positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc. * Follows ...

Aramark

Lead Food Service Worker - Justin area

Justin, TX · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

The Lead Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food using standard recipes and production ... service with a positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc. * Follows ...

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How much do lead food service worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead food service worker in the United States is $17.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead food service worker?

Lead Food Service Workers are responsible for overseeing daily operations within food service settings such as cafeterias, restaurants, or institutional kitchens. They supervise food service staff, ensure that food safety standards are met, and help coordinate food preparation and service. In addition to performing food service tasks themselves, they may handle scheduling, training new employees, and addressing customer concerns. Their leadership ensures efficient, safe, and high-quality meal service for customers or clients.

How does a lead food service worker support team operations and staff training?

A Lead Food Service Worker plays a key role in supporting daily operations by supervising team members, ensuring food safety standards are met, and assisting with staff training. They often coordinate schedules, provide guidance during busy periods, and help onboard new employees to promote efficient workflow. Collaboration with kitchen staff, management, and front-of-house teams is essential to maintain service quality and resolve any operational challenges quickly. Their leadership helps create a positive work environment and ensures consistent service for customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead food service worker?

To thrive as a Lead Food Service Worker, you need experience in food preparation, safety protocols, and team supervision, often supported by a food handler's certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help ensure smooth operations and effective teamwork. These abilities are crucial for maintaining food quality, safety standards, and efficient service in a busy food service environment.

What is the difference between Lead Food Service Worker vs Food Service Worker?

AspectLead Food Service WorkerFood Service Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in food service; leadership skillsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic food service experience
Work EnvironmentSupervises staff, manages food prep, ensures quality standardsPrepares and serves food, maintains cleanliness
Employer UsageRestaurants, cafeterias, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets

The Lead Food Service Worker typically has more experience and takes on supervisory responsibilities, overseeing staff and ensuring service quality. In contrast, the Food Service Worker focuses on food preparation and customer service without supervisory duties. Both roles are essential in food service operations, but the lead position involves additional leadership and coordination tasks.

What cities are hiring for Lead Food Service Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Food Service Worker job openings:

What states have the most Lead Food Service Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Food Service Worker jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Food Service Worker jobs?

For Lead Food Service Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead Food Service Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Food Service Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,145 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

Lead Food Service Worker - Palisades School Nutrition

Kintnersville, PA • On-site

Whitsons Culinary Group
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Whitsons Culinary Groupexternal

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the preparation and serving of meals that meet nutrition and portion guidelines.

  • Handle daily ordering, receiving, and storage of food, beverages, and supplies.

  • Organize cleaning duties, ensure food safety, and set up serving lines.

Whitsons Culinary Group rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Lead Food Service Worker - Bring Your Passion to the Plate!
Monday-Friday | No Nights, Weekends, or Holidays!
Love food? Love making a difference? Join our team as a Lead Food Service Worker and help serve up fresh, nutritious meals to students every day-all while leading a fun, energetic kitchen crew in a supportive school environment!
This is more than just a job-it's a chance to lead with heart, feed young minds, and grow your career in food service, all on a schedule that fits your life.
What You'll Be Doing:
Take the lead in preparing and serving meals that meet nutrition and portion guidelines
Handle daily ordering, receiving, and storage of food, beverages, and supplies
Keep the kitchen running smoothly by organizing cleaning duties and ensuring food safety
Set up hot and cold serving lines, brew coffee, and keep beverage areas stocked
Deliver meals when needed for classrooms, staff, or catered events
Manage POS/cash handling and make sure deposits are accurate
Be a key player on a supportive, mission-driven team that truly cares
Why You'll Love Working With Us:
Family-Friendly Schedule - No nights, weekends, or major holidays
Summers Off - Recharge and reset while school's out
Growth Opportunities - We'll help you build your skills and advance your career
Meaningful Work - Fuel student success and well-being every single day
Awesome Benefits Include:
Competitive pay
Medical, dental & vision insurance
Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
401K with company match
Paid time off
Ongoing training and development
A positive team environment where your work matters
What We're Looking For:
High school diploma or equivalent
1+ year of food service experience
ServSafe certification (or willingness to get certified)
Great attitude, reliability, and team spirit
Ability to speak and read English and follow safety procedures
Comfortable standing, lifting (up to 40 lbs), and working in hot/cold environments
At Whitsons Culinary Group, we believe every meal is a chance to make a difference. We proudly serve nutritious food in schools, helping students stay energized and ready to learn. If you're looking for rewarding work that gives back, we'd love to have you on our team.
Be a part of something meaningful-apply today and help us keep enhancing life one meal at a time. ™!
Pay Rate: $18/hour
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
Education
  1. Must complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training as required; food safety manager training strongly preferred.

Experience
  1. Minimum 2-3 years of professional food service experience required; prior lead, senior, or PIC experience in a school nutrition or institutional food service setting strongly preferred.
  1. Demonstrated ability to direct the work of others in a kitchen or food service environment; experience with USDA NSLP/SBP program requirements, production records, and temperature log maintenance preferred.

Certifications
  1. ServSafe certification required - this is a mandatory requirement for the PIC designation, however, can be trained upon higher; local food safety certification required in any jurisdiction of employment.

Technical Proficiency
  1. Ability to read and follow approved menus, recipes, yield guides, and production records; experience with POS systems and cash handling preferred; ability to complete compliance documentation accurately.

Other Qualifications
  1. Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and the ability to lead a team with a calm, positive, and accountable approach; must be able to speak and read English sufficient to perform job assignments and communicate effectively with school staff, parents, and team members.
  1. Always presents a positive and professional image; ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment; commitment to food safety, team development, and Whitsons' mission.

Core Competencies
  1. Food Safety Leadership: Maintains current ServSafe certification and serves as the on-site food safety authority during the shift; enforces sanitation standards, temperature controls, and compliance documentation with consistency and accountability.
  1. Shift Leadership & Team Direction: Effectively coordinates and directs the food service team during the shift; assigns tasks, monitors performance, and addresses operational issues with professionalism and sound judgment.
  1. Execution & Reliability: Completes all food preparation, service, compliance documentation, and sanitation responsibilities accurately and on time; consistently meets meal service deadlines and operational standards every shift.
  1. Attention to Detail: Demonstrates precision in portioning, temperature monitoring, production records, and station setup; understands that accuracy in compliance documentation directly supports program integrity and regulatory compliance.
  1. Communication: Communicates clearly with the Chef Manager, food service team members, and school staff; escalates issues appropriately and keeps the Manager informed of all significant operational or personnel matters.
  1. Customer Focus: Serves students and school staff in a friendly and professional manner; takes pride in food quality, presentation, and the overall meal experience; maintains a welcoming and clean service environment at all times.
  1. Professionalism: Models Whitsons' standards of conduct, appearance, and attitude for the food service team; follows all policies, schedules, and procedures and holds the team to the same standard.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS
Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are aligned with the school district's food service schedule. Occasional extended hours may be required in support of special events, audits, or operational needs.
Travel Requirements
This position is primarily site-based. Occasional travel to other school locations within the district may be required for substitute coverage or operational support. A valid driver's license is preferred.
Physical Demands of the Job
The Team Member is required to stand on their feet for the majority of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment. Movement in and out of storerooms and near freezers is regularly required. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work Environment
This position operates primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment. Standing is required for the majority of the workday. The noise level is moderate to loud during meal service periods.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, and Whitsons reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Whitsons and team member and is subject to change by Whitsons as the needs of Whitsons and requirements of the job change.

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About Whitsons Culinary Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whitsons Culinary Group, located in Islandia, NY, US, operates in the food service industry, offering a diverse range of services including school nutrition, residential and healthcare dining, prepared meals, emergency dining, and culinary education. First established in 1979, the family-owned company has built a reputation for its bespoke catering services, committed to delivering nutritionally balanced, tastefully diverse and quality assured meals. The company embraces a mission to enrich life one meal at a time, underlined by a focus on food quality, health, wellness, superior service, and social responsibility.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Islandia, NY, US

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