Lead Cook

Dnata; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Dnata in Houston, TX is seeking a Cook Lead to oversee daily food production and actively participate in cooking and preparation. You will guide kitchen staff, support production planning, and ensure meals meet airline specifications, recipes, and timelines in a high-volume environment.

The role requires leadership, strong communication, and a focus on food safety and quality. Flexibility to work various shifts is expected in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred with formal food safety training.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in high-volume food production.
• Lead or supervisory experience preferred.
• Valid Food Handler’s Certificate.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and food safety standards.
• Experience with menu execution and production planning.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team coordination skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Flexible to work nights, days, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support daily kitchen operations, ensuring production targets and timelines are met.
• Prepare and produce high-volume meals according to established menus and standardized recipes.
• Delegate tasks and provide direction to cooks and kitchen staff during shifts.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion consistency to meet airline specifications.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, and all food safety and sanitation standards.
• Conduct routine checks on food handling, storage, and labeling practices.
• Assist in training and onboarding new kitchen team members.
• Monitor inventory usage and minimize waste through proper planning and portion control.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the kitchen.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team coordination

Multi-tasking

Time management

Food safety

HACCP & GMP

Production planning

Menu execution

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The Cook Lead is responsible for overseeing daily food production activities while actively participating in cooking and preparation. This role ensures meals are produced efficiently, consistently, and in compliance with all food safety and quality standards. The Cook Lead provides guidance to kitchen staff, supports production planning, and ensures adherence to airline specifications, recipes, and timelines in a high-volume environment.

Essential Duties

• Lead and support daily kitchen operations, ensuring production targets and timelines are met
• Prepare and produce high-volume meals according to established menus and standardized recipes
• Delegate tasks and provide direction to cooks and kitchen staff during shifts
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portion consistency to meet airline specifications
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, GMP, and all food safety and sanitation standards
• Conduct routine checks on food handling, storage, and labeling practices
• Assist in training and onboarding new kitchen team members
• Monitor inventory usage and minimize waste through proper planning and portion control
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the kitchen
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred
• Minimum 3 years of experience in high-volume food production
• Previous experience in a lead, senior cook, or supervisory capacity preferred
• Valid Food Handler’s Certificate or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, and food safety standards
• Experience with menu execution and production planning
• Strong leadership, communication, and team coordination skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to multitask and manage a heavy workload
• Flexibility to work nights, days, weekends, and holidays
• Must meet all applicable state and local food handler certification requirements for the work location (Texas requires a Food Handler Certificate within 60 days of hire).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Intellectual/Social demands:

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is continuously asked to multi-task under time limits. Position requires constant attention to precise details and accuracy of specified standards including following simple to complex (more than 3 steps) instructions, and concentration which frequently extends beyond 30 minutes at a time. This position also requires constant attendance and punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.

Physical demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Use equipment and materials properly.

Work environment:

The essential functions of this position are performed indoors. The noise level in the work environment can range from minimal to loud.