Lead Cook Trainee
The Lead Cook Trainee role at Confidential Client is an entry-level culinary leadership position involving a structured 6-month training program to develop skills in kitchen management, employee training, and high-quality meal preparation. The trainee assists the Sous Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensures food safety and quality, and educates both customers and staff to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Hospitality & Catering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
As a Lead Cook Trainee you’ll learn to lead kitchen operations while developing hands-on culinary and people-management skills in a high-volume grocery retail restaurant foods kitchen.
- Assist the Sous Chef in running the kitchen and managing staff; oversee operations in the Sous Chef’s absence
- Follow recipes and proper cooking techniques to deliver consistent, high-quality menu items
- Coach and train cooks and prep staff; give feedback and help develop team skills
- Educate customers and teammates about products and meal solutions; support cross-department meal suggestions
- Support food safety, portion control and quality assurance procedures
- Note: candidates may be considered for multiple store locations within the region
Training & Career Path
This is an entry-level, structured 6-month training program with mentor support. Successful program completion leads to placement as a Lead Cook in the Restaurant Foods kitchen area.
- Structured curriculum and on-the-job mentoring
- Clear performance goals and milestone feedback
- Opportunity to advance into Lead Cook roles and other culinary leadership positions
Qualifications
Required
- 2+ years’ experience as a prep or line cook
- Knowledge of food safety and quality assurance practices
- Ability to work mornings, afternoons and evenings (includes weekends)
- Must be at least 18 years old where required by law
Preferred
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts
- Experience in multi-faceted food-service environments (restaurant, hotel, conference center, casino, theme park, etc.)
Pay & Schedule
- Full-time
- Pay range: $21.75 - $22.50 per hour
- Availability: mornings, afternoons and evenings; weekend shifts may be required
Why Work Here
Our client offers opportunities to grow, flexible scheduling, strong benefits, and the chance to work alongside skilled culinarians in a customer-facing kitchen environment.
Location & Other Notes
- Primary location: Chantilly, VA (14361 Newbrook Drive, Chantilly, VA 20151)
- Candidates may be considered for placement at multiple nearby store locations based on openings
- This posting is managed by Careertakes on behalf of our client, Confidential Client.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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