How to become a lead cook?

To start a career as a lead cook, you typically need formal chef training through a culinary school or technical program. Employers usually prefer candidates who have previous experience at a job with cooking responsibilities or those who have completed an internship or apprenticeship. This experience is crucial to learn how to work in a professional kitchen and gain the necessary leadership skills. Other qualifications include the completion of a food safety certification program like ServSafe, an understanding of how a kitchen runs, and the ability to manage kitchen inventory of food and supplies. You should also feel comfortable training other kitchen staff, such as chefs and dishwashers.