Lead Cook & Culinary Team Leader

Air-Culinaire-Worldwide; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401(k) with company match

Multiple medical plans

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

HSA/FSA

Generous vacation

Job summary

Air Culinaire Worldwide Ashburn is seeking an experienced Lead Cook to drive the preparation of hot foods, salads, canapés, desserts, and sauces according to ACW standards. You will supervise line cooks, prep staff, and porters on busy events, ensuring on-time delivery and consistent quality.

You will co-manage training, enforce food safety and HACCP, and collaborate with the GM to maintain high customer satisfaction while controlling costs.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; experience with new culinary trends preferred.
• 2–3 years kitchen experience in a catering or fine dining environment.
• Current ServSafe Food Handling Certificate required at hire or within 45 days of hire.
• Demonstrated ability to take orders and direct and work well with others in a fast-paced, team-driven environment.
• Experience with Italian cuisine and catering is a plus.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated to assist in food preparation and presentation.
• Prior hospitality/food culinary, cooking and supervision experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead Cook ensures high-quality hot foods, salads, sandwiches, canapés, desserts, sauces and cold preparations.
• Co-manages cooks, prep staff, porters; designs quick solutions for on-site issues.
• Trains and audits trays and displays for food safety and HACCP compliance.
• Provides feedback to the General Manager to monitor and improve quality.
• Butchering of meats and fish; supports daily kitchen operations.
• Maintains a safe, orderly, and sanitized kitchen; uses safety tools and gloves.
• Directs team in preventive maintenance of kitchen equipment.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

ServSafe Food Handling Certificate

Job description

Air Culinaire Worldwide Ashburn is seeking an experienced Lead Cook to drive the preparation of hot foods, salads, canapés, desserts, and sauces according to ACW standards. You will supervise line cooks, prep staff, and porters on busy events, ensuring on-time delivery and consistent quality.

You will co-manage training, enforce food safety and HACCP, and collaborate with the GM to maintain high customer satisfaction while controlling costs.