Lead Line Cook Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead Line Cook
About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced, dependable, and hands-on Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team. This role is ideal for a strong cook who takes pride in execution, works well independently, and is ready to take on additional responsibility and leadership within the kitchen.

The Lead Line Cook will play an important role in opening the kitchen and café, completing morning line checks, leading daily prep and production, and ensuring all food stations are fully prepared for service. This position will support multiple areas of the operation, including the café and market, grab-and-go program, catering, private events, pastries, and daily food production.

Working closely with the Chef and kitchen leadership team, the Lead Line Cook will help organize daily production, support the kitchen team, and ensure consistent food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and execution.

Responsibilities

• Open the kitchen and café and ensure all food stations are fully stocked, organized, and prepared for service.
• Complete morning line checks and identify any product, prep, or operational needs before service.
• Lead and execute daily prep and production for the café, market, catering, and events.
• Prepare and coordinate grab-and-go items, pastries, salads, sandwiches, sides, and other prepared foods.
• Support catering and event food production, ensuring orders are accurate, organized, properly presented, and ready on time.
• Execute menu items consistently according to recipes, presentation standards, and portion specifications.
• Help organize the line during service, keeping stations prepared and service moving efficiently.
• Set the standard for professionalism, urgency, cleanliness, organization, and attention to detail.
• Monitor prep levels and kitchen pars and communicate product or ordering needs to culinary leadership.
• Support and train line cooks and prep cooks on recipes, techniques, station setup, and kitchen standards.
• Maintain food quality, freshness, consistency, presentation, and proper portioning.
• Ensure proper labeling, dating, rotation, storage, and FIFO procedures are followed.
• Help minimize food waste through proper preparation, portioning, storage, and communication.
• Communicate effectively with chefs, managers, and front-of-house team members regarding daily service, catering, and upcoming events.
• Maintain a clean, organized, sanitary, and food-safe kitchen.
• Ensure opening, closing, cleaning, sanitation, and food-safety procedures are consistently followed.
• Assist with receiving, inventory organization, and kitchen pars as needed.
• Step into different stations and areas of production as needed to support the overall success of the operation.

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of professional kitchen experience required.
• Previous lead cook, supervisory, or kitchen leadership experience preferred.
• Experience with catering, events, café operations, fast casual, or high-volume food production is a must.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, knife skills, food preparation, and kitchen organization.
• Ability to confidently work multiple stations and production areas.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet production and event deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to provide direction and support to other kitchen team members.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to perform in a fast-paced environment.
• Dependable, punctual, organized, and team-oriented.
• Hands-on approach and willingness to jump in wherever needed.
• Commitment to food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and presentation.
• Working knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible availability based on business, catering, and event needs.

The Ideal Candidate

You are someone who leads by example and isn't afraid to be hands-on. You enjoy being organized, starting the day strong, and making sure the kitchen is set up for success before service begins.

You can move comfortably between line cooking, prep production, grab-and-go, catering, and events while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. You understand that being a Lead Line Cook isn't just about being a strong cook—it's about helping the entire kitchen perform at a higher level.

You communicate clearly, anticipate what the team will need, maintain standards during busy periods, and take ownership of getting the job done.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced cook looking to expand their leadership responsibilities and continue developing toward a Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager position.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly compensation
• Consistent scheduling
• Employee dining benefits
• A professional, team-oriented kitchen environment
• Hands-on training and development
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing hospitality company