Catering Production Cook Lead

Tsunami Catering; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 32,952,000 - 35,873,000; Part time

Job summary

Tsunami Catering in the Tri-Cities is seeking an experienced Catering Production Cook Lead. This role focuses on executing recipes, maintaining food quality, and coordinating with the Production Prep Cook to keep the kitchen running smoothly.

The ideal candidate brings strong cooking skills, experience with large-volume production, and the ability to adapt to changing schedules. This part-time position offers flexible hours across days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Previous production cooking, catering, restaurant, or related culinary experience required.
• Experience preparing large-volume food production while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Able to accurately determine ingredient quantities and food ordering needs.
• Flexible and willing to adapt to changing production schedules and business needs.

Responsibilities

• Execute established recipes accurately and consistently according to company standards.
• Prepare proteins, starches, vegetables, sauces, and menu items for catered events.
• Determine food ordering quantities and place orders.
• Work alongside the Production Prep Cook to meet timelines.
• Maintain food quality, consistency, presentation, and portions.
• Communicate production needs and shortages proactively with the Catering Manager.
• Establish daily production priorities and kitchen workflow.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the kitchen.
• Label, date, rotate, and store food products.
• Assist with loading and unloading deliveries and equipment.
• Follow food safety procedures at all times.

Skills

Production cooking

Catering

Time management

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Food safety

Adaptability

Quick learner

Inventory planning

Communication

Job description

Tsunami Catering is a high-volume catering company serving the Tri-Cities area, known for high-quality food, thoughtful execution, and a calm, professional kitchen culture.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced, dependable Catering Production Cook Lead who takes pride in consistently executing high-quality food for exceptional catered events.

This role is focused on recipe execution, food quality, organization, inventory planning, and working alongside the Production Prep Cook to ensure the kitchen operates efficiently throughout the production process.

Because catering schedules can change quickly, successful team members are flexible and prepared to support changing production priorities, including week-of and short-notice catering requests when business needs require.

This is a hands-on culinary production role centered on consistency, follow-through, teamwork, culinary execution, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Execute established recipes accurately and consistently according to company standards
• Prepare proteins, starches, vegetables, sauces, and menu items for catered events
• Determine food ordering and ingredient quantities while accurately placing food and grocery orders
• Work alongside the Production Prep Cook to ensure ingredients are properly prepared and production timelines are met
• Maintain food quality, consistency, presentation, and portion standards
• Communicate production needs, ingredient shortages, and concerns proactively with the Catering Manager
• Assist with establishing daily production priorities and kitchen workflow
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation throughout the kitchen
• Label, date, rotate, and properly store food products
• Assist with loading and unloading deliveries and catering equipment
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and company procedures at all times

What We're Looking For

• Previous production cooking, catering, restaurant, or related culinary experience required
• Strong cooking skills and the ability to consistently execute established recipes
• Experience preparing large-volume food production while maintaining quality and consistency
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Quick to learn new procedures and consistently apply them without repeated instruction
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Able to accurately determine ingredient quantities and food ordering needs
• Dependable, coachable, and team-oriented
• Able to prioritize tasks and remain productive throughout the workday
• Flexible and willing to adapt to changing production schedules and business needs
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Interested in growth within a part-time catering environment

Schedule & Pay

• Part-time role (approximately 20 hours per week to start)
• Hours vary based on production schedules, client demand, and event bookings.
• Candidates should have flexible availability and be prepared to support changing production schedules, including week-of and short-notice catering requests as business needs require. Scheduling includes days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional early mornings.
• $23-$25 per hour based on experience

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