Lead Cook Trainee
The Lead Cook Trainee role at Confidential Client is an entry-level culinary leadership position involving hands-on kitchen management, employee training, and ensuring high-quality meal preparation. The position includes a structured 6-month training program with mentorship, preparing the trainee to assist the Sous Chef and lead kitchen operations while delivering exceptional customer 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.
Role overview
Confidential Client is hiring a Lead Cook Trainee for its Restaurant Foods kitchen in Westwood, MA. This is an entry-level, structured 6-month training program with a mentor and trainer; successful completion leads to placement as a Lead Cook. This is a full-time, shift-based role. Pay: $23.00 - $25.25 per hour (estimated annual pay ~ $52,392). Shifts include mornings, afternoons and evenings (weekends required); shifts may start as early as 6:00 AM. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
What You’ll Do
As a Lead Cook Trainee you will learn to lead in the kitchen while supporting day-to-day operations. Key responsibilities include:
- 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 maintain consistent high-quality products
- Train, coach and develop cooks; provide feedback and resources to improve team performance
- Educate customers and team members on products; suggest complete meal solutions and cross-department pairings
- Support profitability goals by minimizing waste and maintaining quality and portion controls
- Candidates may be considered for placement at multiple store locations within the region based on openings
Schedule & Compensation
- Employment type: Full-time (training program)
- Pay range: $23.00 - $25.25 per hour
- Estimated annual pay: ~$52,392 (based on full-time hours)
- Availability: Morning, afternoon and evening shifts required; includes weekends; some shifts may start as early as 6:00 AM
Required qualifications
- 2+ years’ experience as a prep cook or line cook
- Knowledge of food safety and quality assurance practices (e.g., correct temps, cross-contamination prevention)
Preferred qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts or related study
- Experience in multi-faceted foodservice environments (restaurant, hotel, country club, conference center, casino, theme park, etc.)
Why work here
Confidential Client offers a structured training path, opportunities for advancement, flexible scheduling, and competitive benefits. This role is a good fit for cooks who want hands-on culinary training and a clear path to a lead role.
Notes & legal
- Must be 18 years or older to apply.
- Candidates may be considered for openings at multiple local store locations.
- This posting displays the pay range from the source. No salary information has been fabricated.
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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