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Lead Production Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Production Cook Location: VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY - 69633001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Lead Production Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN DIGITAL UPA, SAN JOSE - 95692001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Lead Production Cook

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $19/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY - 69633001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Lead Production Cook Ubicación: VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY - 69633001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el ...

Lead Production Cook Ubicación: VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY - 69633001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el ...

Lead Production Cook

West Haven, CT · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

We're looking for a lead cook who takes pride in their work and can run a shift without needing their hand held. This is a production kitchen role with real responsibility. You'll execute recipes at ...

We're looking for a lead cook who takes pride in their work and can run a shift without needing their hand held. This is a production kitchen role with real responsibility. You'll execute recipes at ...

We're looking for a lead cook who takes pride in their work and can run a shift without needing their hand held. This is a production kitchen role with real responsibility. You'll execute recipes at ...

Production Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$16 - $19.65/hr

Production Cook Join us in caring for the most important people on Earth. We reward hard - working ... Communicate with Lead Cook and Chef on any and all issues. * Maintains sanitation of work area ...

Production Cook Join us in caring for the most important people on Earth. We reward hard - working ... Communicate with Lead Cook and Chef on any and all issues. * Maintains sanitation of work area ...

Production Cook IV (West Madison)

Madison, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

... will lead other production staff in the preparation of therapeutically accurate, attractively presented and cost effective meals. This position will provide direction to production cooks in the ...

... lead a better lifestyle. Our priority is creating a welcoming environment that supports both our ... The Hot Production Cook is responsible for the daily execution of service, production tasks and ...

Sous Chef-Cantina

El Cajon, CA

$52K - $70K/yr

Lead Production Cook, Production Cook, Prep Cook, Lead Utility, Utility, F&B Deep Cleaning Technician, Attendant Indirect: None

Sous Chef-Brew Pub

El Cajon, CA

$52K - $70K/yr

Lead Production Cook, Production Cook, Prep Cook, Lead Utility, Utility, F&B Deep Cleaning Technician, Attendant Indirect: None

Sous Chef-Brew Pub

El Cajon, CA

$52K - $70K/yr

Lead Production Cook, Production Cook, Prep Cook, Lead Utility, Utility, F&B Deep Cleaning Technician, Attendant Indirect: None

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Lead Production Cook information

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How much do lead production cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead production cook in the United States is $22.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Lead Production Cooks typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are usually associated with specialized roles like high-level executives, surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs. Some freelance or consulting professionals in certain industries may reach this level with significant experience and client volume, but it is uncommon for standard production cook positions. Earnings at this level generally require advanced skills, certifications, or ownership of a business.

What does a lead cook do?

A lead cook oversees kitchen operations, supervises kitchen staff, and ensures food quality and safety standards are met. They often coordinate meal preparation, manage inventory, and assist in training team members to maintain efficient kitchen workflow.

What are Lead Production Cooks?

Lead Production Cooks are experienced culinary professionals responsible for overseeing the preparation and production of food in commercial kitchens. They supervise kitchen staff, ensure food quality and safety standards are met, and help coordinate cooking processes to maintain efficiency during busy service times. In addition to cooking, they often assist in menu planning, inventory management, and training new employees. Their leadership is crucial for maintaining a smooth workflow and consistently delivering high-quality dishes.

What are some common challenges Lead Production Cooks face when managing a kitchen team during busy service periods?

Lead Production Cooks often encounter challenges like coordinating multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring consistent food quality, and communicating effectively with both kitchen and front-of-house staff during peak hours. Time management and quick problem-solving are essential to handle sudden changes, such as menu modifications or supply shortages. Building a cohesive team and setting clear expectations can help minimize stress and maintain smooth operations, even during the busiest shifts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Production Cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Production Cook, you need expertise in culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen management, often gained through formal culinary training or significant hands-on experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management systems, and food inventory software is typically required. Strong leadership, time management, and communication skills help coordinate staff and maintain high food quality under pressure. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, consistent food standards, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What is the highest paying job for a cook?

The highest paying jobs for cooks typically include executive chefs, head chefs, or culinary directors in high-end restaurants, hotels, or private clubs, with salaries often exceeding $70,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced culinary certifications or degrees. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or sous chefs in luxury establishments can also command higher wages.

What is the difference between Lead Production Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectLead Production CookLine Cook
CredentialsFood Handler’s Permit, culinary experience, leadership skillsFood Handler’s Permit, culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentKitchen, overseeing kitchen operationsKitchen, preparing specific dishes on the line
Employer UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, catering

The Lead Production Cook typically has more responsibilities, including supervising staff and managing kitchen operations, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills and food safety knowledge, but the Lead Production Cook often has leadership duties and more experience.

What does a production cook do?

A production cook prepares large quantities of food in a commercial kitchen, often following standardized recipes and procedures. They handle tasks such as chopping, cooking, and assembling dishes efficiently to meet production demands, typically working in environments like restaurants, cafeterias, or catering services. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of food safety are essential for this role.
More about Lead Production Cook jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Production Cook jobs? Cities with the most Lead Production Cook job openings:
What job categories do people searching Lead Production Cook jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Production Cook jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Production Cook job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,737 per year, or $22.5 per hour.
Lead Production Cook

Lead Production Cook

Sodexo

Richmond, VA

$18.25 - $19/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and cold food items for various meal periods including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special or catered events.

  • Read and follow basic recipes and product directions for preparing various food items.

  • Support management in the daily oversight of key functions and employees during the normal course of business.


Sodexo rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,116 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

308th of 437 rated business services


Job description

Lead Production Cook


Location: VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY - 69633001

Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Employment Type: Full-time

Pay Range: $18.25 per hour - $19 per hour

University students with restrictions on number of hours they can work, including international students, should apply for open student worker positions at the school they attend. You can search student worker jobs here (https://sodexo.paradox.ai/7nq0G05)


Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater because we believe our everyday actions have a big impact. You belong in a company that allows you to act with purpose and thrive in your own way. 


What You’ll Do: As a Lead Production Cook at Sodexo, you are a team player and food waste reducer. You’ll prepare and create nutritious dishes while putting customer service at the heart of everything you do. Your passion for food and warm smile will make a positive impact and brighten the day of those you serve.


Responsibilities include:

  • Accurately and efficiently prepare, portion, cook, and present a variety of hot and/or cold food items for various meal periods, may include Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Special/Catered Events.
  • Read and follow basic recipes and/or product directions for preparing various food items
  • May prepare food and serve customers at an a la carte and/or operate a grill station
  • May support management in the daily oversight of key functions and employees during the normal course of business
  • Attends work and shows for scheduled shift on time with satisfactory regularity
  • Other duties may be assigned and can differ among accounts, depending on business necessities and client requirements.


What You Bring:

  • Successful candidates will be team-oriented, adaptable, reliable, and nurturers of a healthy/safe working environment for all.
  • 3 – 4 years of related work experience preferred


Link to full Job description 


What We Offer:

  • Flexible and supportive work environment, so you can be home for life’s important moments.
  • Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career
  • Full array of benefits that support you and your family’s wellbeing, including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 401k, discount programs, and more. 
  • In addition to Sodexo’s standard, some locations may offer additional site-specific benefits, including free “shift” meals (and/or allowances/per diems), uniforms, safety shoes, public transportation support and/or parking. 


Link to benefits summary


Overall, Sodexo strives to offer comprehensive summaries of our benefits packages and detailed descriptions of the positions candidates are applying for. However, due to the contractual nature of our business, some job duties and employee benefits may vary based on the unit/work location. We encourage you to discuss any questions about Sodexo’s benefit offerings during the interview process. 


Who we are:

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 


Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Should you need assistance with the online application process, please complete this form. 




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