Lead Cook

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company  –

Paid Vacation & Sick Time

Hotel Discounts

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation is seeking a Lead Cook in Seattle to support breakfast, banquet, and dinner operations. The role focuses on high standards of quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction under Sonesta G.U.E.S.T. standards.

You will assist the culinary team, supervise kitchen staff, train teammates, and help ensure safety and sanitation are maintained in a fast-paced environment. A WA Food Handler Certification is required.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in a hotel or restaurant kitchen or equivalent.
• Experience in fast-paced kitchen handling large groups or banquets.
• Fluent English; additional language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute all food orders per recipes and quality standards.
• Monitor preparation methods, cooking times, presentation, and portions.
• Interpret and execute Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) for events.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen.
• Assist in training and supervising kitchen staff.

Education

Washington state Food Handler Certification

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

We're People People. Are you? We're Sonesta International Hotels—the 8th largest hotel company in the U.S. (and growing fast ). With a dynamic mix of full-service and focused hotels across major cities, our diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties means we're everywhere our guests need us to be. But here's the thing—we're not just in the business of hotels, we're in the business of people. We bring service with passion, loyalty with purpose, and create experiences that genuinely connect—delivering quality, value, and memorable stays across 1,000+ properties in eight countries (and counting).

What this role is all about

The Lead Cook plays a key role in supporting the hotel's mission and overall success by achieving performance objectives related to breakfast, banquet, and dinner operations. This position involves assisting the culinary team, ensuring high standards of quality and consistency are achieved. The Lead Cook is committed to delivering exceptional service in all interactions with guests and clients, in alignment with Sonesta G.U.E.S.T. standards.

What you'll be doing

Food Preparation & Quality Control

• Prepare and execute all food orders in a timely and consistent manner in accordance with established recipes and quality standards.
• Ensure proper preparation methods, cooking times, presentation, and portion control.
• Monitor and test food to verify quality, taste, texture, appearance, and temperature standards.
• Follow detailed prep lists and instructions provided by the Executive Chef.
• Assist in interpreting Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and executing events accurately.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Cleanliness

• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and service environment, including equipment, workstations, and storage areas.
• Adhere to all health, sanitation, and safety standards in compliance with local regulations and company policies.
• Properly handle, store, label, and rotate food products to ensure freshness, safety, and minimal waste.
• Complete all opening and closing cleaning duties as assigned.

Inventory & Equipment Management

• Monitor station inventory and communicate supply needs to Executive Chef.
• Follow proper procedures for storage and security of food, equipment, and supplies.
• Inspect kitchen equipment regularly to ensure proper operation and report any malfunctions or safety hazards to F&B management.

Team Leadership & Training

• Provide directions and support for kitchen staff to ensure efficient and consistent operations.
• Collaborate with the F&B Manager and Executive Chef to support daily operations and service standards.
• Assist in training team members and monitoring performance, recommending corrective action when needed.
• Conduct or support pre‑shift meetings to communicate daily events, priorities, and menu items.
• Assist Executive Chef with seasonal menu creation and execution.

Compliance & General Duties

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to health, safety, sanitation, and food handling.
• Maintain professional appearance and adhere to uniform and grooming standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support kitchen and hotel operations.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in a hotel or restaurant kitchen, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working in a fast‑paced kitchen environment, including preparation of meals for large groups or banquet‑style service.
• Ability to speak, read, and write fluent English; additional language skills are a plus.
• Basic math, reading, and writing skills required.
• Ability to stand, bend, climb, kneel, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Comfortable working with commercial cleaning chemicals and maintaining safety standards.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Washington state Food Handler Certification.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Anticipated Pay Range & Additional Job Information

Pay Range: $28.00-$29.50.

Base pay offered may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to job related knowledge, skills and job specific experience/overall experience.

How we reward you

At Sonesta, we know showing up for our guests starts with showing up for our people. That means supporting your health, your financial future, and everything in between.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Company Match
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• Paid Parental Leave
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
• Educational Assistance
• Sonesta Hotel Discounts (yes, you'll want to use these )
• Additional Perks & Employee Discounts

Our Commitment to You

Sonesta is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.