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Sous Chef Lead Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Savannah, GA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef Savannah, GA | Full-Time | Upscale Full-Service Restaurant An established and growing ... You should be able to lead a busy service, develop cooks, maintain standards, organize production ...

Sous Chef

Savannah, GA

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef Savannah, GA | Full-Time | Upscale Full-Service Restaurant An established and growing ... You should be able to lead a busy service, develop cooks, maintain standards, organize production ...

Sous Chef

Chandler, AZ

$65K - $80K/yr

? Now Hiring: Experienced Sous Chef ? Lead. Create. Inspire. Are you a passionate culinary ... cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and food quality Experience with inventory management ...

Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Sous Chef - Lead High-Volume Kitchen Operations Love the rush of a packed kitchen where every plate ... Lead and mentor line cooks through high-volume service shifts. * Maintain food quality, plating ...

Sous Chef

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

? Now Hiring: Experienced Sous Chef ? Lead. Create. Inspire. Are you a passionate culinary ... cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and food quality ✔️ Experience with inventory ...

Sous Chef

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

? Now Hiring: Experienced Sous Chef ? Lead. Create. Inspire. Are you a passionate culinary ... cooking techniques, kitchen operations, and food quality ✔️ Experience with inventory ...

Sous Chef

Kailua, HI · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

At least 1-2 years of experience in a culinary supervisory role, such as Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, Lead Cook, or Kitchen Supervisor. * Experience executing both high-quality à la carte dining and ...

Sous Chef

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Experience in a Sous Chef, lead line cook, or similar kitchen leadership role * Strong knowledge of cooking techniques and food quality standards * Ability to train, direct, and support kitchen staff

Sous Chef

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Experience in a Sous Chef, lead line cook, or similar kitchen leadership role * Strong knowledge of cooking techniques and food quality standards * Ability to train, direct, and support kitchen staff

Sous Chef

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Experience in a Sous Chef, lead line cook, or similar kitchen leadership role * Strong knowledge of cooking techniques and food quality standards * Ability to train, direct, and support kitchen staff

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Restaurant Sous Chef

Manasquan, NJ · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

We are looking for a hands-on, disciplined Sous Chef / Lead Line Cook with strong classical Italian culinary experience to work directly alongside our leadership team. ​This is not a high-volume ...

Levitate Backyard Sous Chef

Marshfield, MA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Experience: 2+ years of experience as a Sous Chef, Lead Line Cook, or Kitchen Supervisor in a high ... volume restaurant or busy outdoor venue. * Culinary Chops: Strong knife skills, deep knowledge of ...

Sous Chef

Voorhees, NJ · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Previous Sous Chef, Lead Cook, or supervisory culinary experience preferred * Culinary degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience preferred * Experience working in a ...

Levitate Backyard Sous Chef

Marshfield, MA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Experience: 2+ years of experience as a Sous Chef, Lead Line Cook, or Kitchen Supervisor in a high ... volume restaurant or busy outdoor venue. * Culinary Chops: Strong knife skills, deep knowledge of ...

Showing results 21-40

Sous Chef Lead Cook information

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$11

$19

$25

How much do sous chef lead cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for sous chef 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 sous chef lead cook?

Sous chefs and lead cooks are key members of a professional kitchen's leadership team. A sous chef acts as the second-in-command, assisting the head chef in managing kitchen operations, supervising staff, and ensuring dishes are prepared to high standards. A lead cook typically oversees a specific station or aspect of the kitchen, guiding other cooks, maintaining food quality, and helping coordinate food preparation. Both roles require strong culinary skills, leadership abilities, and attention to detail. They play a crucial part in maintaining efficiency and consistency in restaurant kitchens.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sous chef lead cook?

To thrive as a Sous Chef Lead Cook, you need expertise in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety, typically gained through culinary school or extensive kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications such as ServSafe are important technical requirements. Leadership, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills that set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, high-quality food preparation, and cohesive team dynamics in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a sous chef lead cook when managing a kitchen team?

A Sous Chef Lead Cook often faces challenges such as balancing the needs of a diverse team, handling high-pressure situations during busy service hours, and ensuring consistent food quality while maintaining kitchen safety standards. Effective communication is key, as this role requires coordinating with both the head chef and kitchen staff to manage workflow and resolve conflicts. Additionally, adapting to last-minute menu changes or ingredient shortages can test problem-solving skills, making flexibility and leadership essential qualities for success.

What is the difference between Sous Chef Lead Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectSous Chef Lead CookLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceHigh school diploma or culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen leadership, supervising staffFood preparation on the line
ResponsibilitiesOversees kitchen operations, assists head chefPrepares specific dishes during service

The Sous Chef Lead Cook typically has more responsibilities, including supervising staff and managing kitchen operations, whereas the Line Cook focuses mainly on preparing dishes during service. The Sous Chef Lead Cook often requires more experience and culinary training, making it a step above the Line Cook in the kitchen hierarchy.

More about Sous Chef Lead Cook jobs

What cities are hiring for Sous Chef Lead Cook jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Sous Chef Lead Cook jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Sous Chef Lead Cook jobs are:

Infographic showing various Sous Chef Lead Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,979 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Sous Chef - Senior Living Community

Thomas Cuisine

Dallas, TX • On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Thomas Cuisine rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

REAL Food re-fined.
Sous Chef - Senior Living Community | Location: Dallas, TX 75214
Compensation: $27-$30 per hour| Full-Time
Schedule: Shifts will vary slightly. Community closes at 7pm all days of the week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays off. Some holidays required.
Job Summary
We're seeking an experienced and hands-on Sous Chef to help lead a high-volume, elevated culinary program in a senior living community. This newly created position will support multiple dining outlets and culinary operations, including an upscale restaurant, everyday resident dining, and high-end catering and special events.
This is an opportunity for a strong culinary leader who is equally comfortable leading a team and working alongside them. From executing an elevated steak or classic hollandaise sauce to jumping in wherever the kitchen needs support, the Sous Chef will help set the standard for quality, consistency, teamwork, and hospitality. The role carries responsibilities similar to an Executive Sous Chef and will provide leadership coverage in the Executive Sous Chef's absence, offering an excellent opportunity for continued professional growth.
What You'll Do
  • Help lead daily culinary operations across multiple dining outlets, producing approximately 300-500 meals per day for residents and supporting catering and special events.
  • Support elevated dining experiences, including upscale restaurant service, everyday resident dining, catering, and other key culinary operations.
  • Work hands-on alongside the culinary team, leading by example and stepping into production wherever needed.
  • Support the Executive Sous Chef in overseeing kitchen operations and provide leadership coverage in their absence.
  • Lead, coach, and motivate culinary team members while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, trust, and mutual respect.
  • Provide clear direction during service, address performance concerns when needed, and ensure team members remain productive and engaged.
  • Execute a wide range of culinary techniques and menu items, from everyday favorites to elevated scratch-made cuisine, with consistency and attention to detail.
  • Ensure recipes, presentation standards, portioning, production timelines, and quality expectations are consistently followed.
  • Support high-end catering events and special dining experiences, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and execution.
  • Monitor production levels and coordinate workflow to ensure all dining outlets and services are properly supported.
  • Maintain accurate inventory, proper product rotation, FIFO practices, labeling, dating, and storage procedures.
  • Ensure food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards are consistently maintained throughout the kitchen.
  • Communicate effectively with culinary leadership, team members, residents, and other departments.
  • Help identify opportunities to improve culinary execution, team performance, efficiency, and the overall resident dining experience.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What You Will Bring
  • 3+ years of professional culinary experience, preferably in an elevated, scratch-cooking, high-volume, or multi-outlet environment.
  • Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Lead Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, or similar culinary leadership role strongly preferred.
  • Strong hands-on culinary skills with the versatility to execute both everyday comfort foods and elevated restaurant-quality cuisine.
  • Experience with scratch cooking and a solid understanding of sauces, proteins, vegetables, starches, and a variety of cooking techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and hold team members accountable while building teamwork and trust.
  • Confidence handling day-to-day leadership situations, including providing direction, addressing performance concerns, and keeping the team focused during service.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and service demands in a kitchen producing approximately 300-500 meals daily.
  • Catering, banquet, restaurant, or upscale dining experience strongly preferred.
  • Senior living or healthcare culinary experience is preferred but not required; strong restaurant, hospitality, or other relevant culinary experience will be considered.
  • A humble, team-oriented leadership style with a willingness to jump in wherever needed.
  • Strong communication, organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, sanitation, and food safety.
  • Flexibility to work a varied schedule based on operational needs, including weekends and holidays. Days off may vary from week to week.
  • Culinary degree or formal culinary training is a plus.
  • ServSafe® Certification and applicable Food Handler certification preferred or required based on local regulations.
  • Ability to successfully complete required pre-employment screening.

Physical and Sensory Requirements
  • This job involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and a kitchen environment with fumes, airborne particles, and moderate noise. Employees must have the physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift trays, and perform repetitive tasks. Occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions, extreme temperatures, and vibration may occur. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community.
What We Offer!
Life/Work Integration
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Baby Bonding Leave
  • Paid Elder Care Leave
  • Paid Time Off (Accrued)
  • Holiday Premium Pay

Health & Wellness
  • 3 Medical Plans (Blue Cross)
  • Prescription, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Reimbursed Wellness Massages (Portion of cost)
  • Voluntary HSA with Company Match
  • Voluntary FSA
  • Free Employee Assistance Program (Behavioral Health Support)
  • Access to Wellness Initiatives (Fitness Memberships, etc.)

Financial Wellness
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Company-Paid Basic Life Insurance
  • Company-Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Policy
  • Voluntary Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Employee, Spouse, and/or child(ren) Life Insurance, with AD&D

Plus
  • A supportive, collaborative work environment
  • Opportunities for growth

Who We Are
Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community.
Our commitment to you
At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture.
REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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