Kitchen Lead Cook

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - North Shore Conference Center; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Management Development Program

TEAM & travel discounts

Vacation, wellness, and holiday pay

Career advancement opportunities

Referral bonus program

Paid time off

Job summary

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - North Shore Conference Center in Skokie, IL is seeking a Lead Cook to support daily kitchen operations, prepare high-quality meals, and help ensure an exceptional dining experience for guests.

You’ll lead by example in a TEAM environment, train teammates, maintain sanitation, and coordinate with other departments during busy shifts. This role offers opportunities for growth via our Management Development Program and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Previous hotel, restaurant, or professional kitchen experience preferred.
• Strong culinary skills and passion for great food.
• Able to lead by example within a TEAM.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Open availability, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen operations during your assigned shift.
• Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, and presentation guidelines.
• Help coordinate the kitchen TEAM and maintain smooth service.
• Ensure food is consistently prepared and presented to our standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Assist with inventory, food preparation, and proper product storage.
• Help train, coach, and support fellow TEAM members.
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen TEAM and other departments.
• Help ensure a positive dining experience for our guests.

Skills

Culinary skills

Team leadership

Food safety

Education

Culinary education or formal training

Job description

TEAM Culture

At our hotel, our TEAM culture motivates and encourages every individual to achieve "MORE" in their daily life and grow their career with a company that values their contributions. We hope that each day, you’ll discover new reasons to love what you do!

T.E.A.M. = Together Everyone Achieves More

About the Role

We’re looking for a passionate, dependable, and motivated Lead Cook to join our hotel kitchen TEAM! As a Lead Cook, you’ll play an important role in supporting daily kitchen operations, preparing high-quality meals, and helping ensure every guest enjoys an exceptional dining experience.

If you take pride in your culinary skills, enjoy working in a TEAM environment, and are ready to take the next step in your culinary career, we’d love to have you join us!

Career Growth

We’re committed to developing our TEAM members and promoting from within. As you grow with us, career advancement opportunities may include:

• Sous Chef
• Executive Chef
• Director of Food & Beverage

Our Management Development Program (MDP) is designed to help develop top talent into the leaders of tomorrow. With dedication, strong performance, and a commitment to growth, you may have opportunities to advance into management in less than one year!

What’s Your More?

TEAM Benefits

We offer a variety of benefits and perks designed to support you both personally and professionally:

• 401(k)
• Health, dental, vision, life, and voluntary insurance
• Management Development Program
• TEAM & travel discounts
• Vacation, wellness, and holiday pay
• Career advancement opportunities
• Referral bonus program
• Paid time off for eligible full-time TEAM members
• Medical and insurance options for eligible full-time TEAM members

What You’ll Do

As a Lead Cook, you will:

• Lead and support kitchen operations during your assigned shift.
• Prepare and cook food according to recipes, quality standards, and presentation guidelines.
• Help coordinate the kitchen TEAM and maintain smooth service.
• Ensure food is consistently prepared and presented to our standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Assist with inventory, food preparation, and proper product storage.
• Help train, coach, and support fellow TEAM members.
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen TEAM and other departments.
• Help ensure a positive dining experience for our guests.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has previous hotel, restaurant, or professional kitchen experience preferred.
• Has strong culinary skills and a passion for preparing great food.
• Can lead by example and work effectively as part of a TEAM.
• Is comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Has knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Has culinary education or formal training, which is a plus but not required.
• Has open availability, including weekends and holidays.

Pay Rate

$24.00 per hour

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form (Form I-9) upon hire.