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Lead Production Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN DIGITAL UPA, SAN JOSE - 95692001 Workdays/shifts: Mornings - varying days, and some weekends/holidays. More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY - 10580008 Workdays/shifts: ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Gunnison, CO

$27 - $30/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY - 10580008 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPENAVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN DIGITAL UPA, SAN JOSE - 95692001 Workdays/shifts : Mornings - varying days, and some weekends/holidays. More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Beverly, MA · On-site

$30.90/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: ENDICOTT COLLEGE - 94249003 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Gunnison, CO

$19 - $27/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY - 10580001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Beverly, MA · On-site

$30.90/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: ENDICOTT COLLEGE - 94249003 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

San Jose, CA

$24 - $26/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN DIGITAL UPA, SAN JOSE - 95692001 Workdays/shifts : Mornings - varying days, and some weekends/holidays. More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Beverly, MA · On-site

$30.90/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: ENDICOTT COLLEGE - 94249003 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY - 10580001 Workdays/shifts: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Beverly, MA · On-site

$30.90/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: ENDICOTT COLLEGE - 94249003 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Beverly, MA

$30.90/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: ENDICOTT COLLEGE - 94249003 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$27/hr

Lead Production Cook Ubicación: WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY - 10580001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el ...

Honeyplate

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 ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Gunnison, CO

$19 - $27/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY - 10580001 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY - 10580008 Workdays/shifts : ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). More details will be provided during the interview process. Employment Type ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Beverly, MA · On-site

$30.90/hr

Lead Production Cook Location: ENDICOTT COLLEGE - 94249003 Workdays/shifts : Varying shifts, days/hours (open availability preferred). More details will be provided during the interview process.

Honeyplate

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 ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

San Jose, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Lead Production Cook Ubicación: WESTERN DIGITAL UPA, SAN JOSE - 95692001 Días de trabajo/turnos: Mornings - varying days, and some weekends/holidays. Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el ...

Sodexo

Lead Production Cook

Gunnison, CO · On-site

$30/hr

Lead Production Cook Ubicación: WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY - 10580008 Días de trabajo/turnos: ANY SHIFT (OPEN AVAILABILITY). Se proporcionarán más detalles durante el proceso de entrevista. Tipo ...

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Lead Production Cook information

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$12

$22

$35

How much do lead production cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 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 is a lead production cook?

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 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.

How to become a lead production cook?

To become a lead production cook, gain experience working in commercial kitchens and develop strong cooking skills. Typically, candidates advance by demonstrating leadership, efficiency, and knowledge of food safety standards, often supported by relevant certifications such as ServSafe. Progression usually involves taking on supervisory roles and improving culinary expertise over time.

What does a lead production cook do?

A lead production cook oversees the preparation and cooking of food in a commercial kitchen, ensuring quality and consistency. They coordinate kitchen staff, follow safety and sanitation standards, and may assist with menu planning and inventory management.

What cities are hiring for Lead Production Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Production Cook job openings:

Lead Production Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Production Cook job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,737 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Lead Production Cook

San Jose, CA • On-site

Sodexo
Food and Beverage Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 499 rated business services

Free food

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Learn more about Sodexoexternal

$24 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Lead Production Cook
Location: WESTERN DIGITAL UPA, SAN JOSE - 95692001
Workdays/shifts: Mornings - varying days, and some weekends/holidays. More details will be provided during the interview process.
Employment Type: Full-time
Pay Range: $24.00 - $26.00
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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