Lead Line Cook (Full-Time) | Smith Tower

Columbia-Hospitality; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Get Paid Daily

Paid Time off & Holiday Pay

Medical, Dental, Vision

401K

HSA/FSA Plans

Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf,

Employee Assistance Program

Referral Bonus

Job summary

Columbia Hospitality is seeking a Lead Line Cook to join the Smith Tower kitchen in Seattle. The role focuses on leading daily food preparation, maintaining high culinary standards, and guiding a team of line cooks in a busy hotel dining environment.

The position requires hands-on leadership, precise temperature control, and strong knowledge of sauces, with an emphasis on sanitation and safety. Prior experience in banquet settings is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in industry, at least two years as a lead.
• Able to cook proteins to predetermined temperatures.
• Ability to read and interpret recipes and communicate effectively to the team.
• Working knowledge of mother and minor sauces.
• Knife skills and proper butchering techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day food preparation and ensure consistent, high-quality dishes.
• Train and guide line cooks, oversee kitchen organization and sanitation.
• Ensure compliance with sanitation and safety requirements during cooking and service.
• Open and close kitchen procedures and manage inventories.

Job description

Lead Line Cook (Full-Time) | Smith Tower

Smith Tower, 506 2nd Ave, 1st Floor, Seattle, Washington, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Lead Line Cook (Full-Time) | Smith Tower

Let’s start off with the most important part - what’s in it for you:

The Perks

*Eligibility of perks is dependent upon job status

• Hourly Pay Range: $24 - $26/hr DOE
• Get Paid Daily (Make any day payday)
• Paid Time off & Holiday Pay (Because Balance Matters)
• Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K
• HSA/FSA Plans -with employer contribution
• Values Based Culture (#OMGLIFE)
• Culture Add (Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives)
• Referral Bonus (Get Paid to Recruit)
• Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail (Yes, Discounted Travel!)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Committee Participation Opportunities (Fun, Philanthropic, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion)
• Task Force Work Opportunities (Grow your career in idyllic locations across the globe)
• Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow!
• Third Party Perks (Including discounts on Pet Insurance, Rental Cars, Movie and Concert Tickets, Theme Park and Attractions & so much more)

Our Commitment to you:

“People never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s famous statement serves as a rallying cry throughout Columbia Hospitality and fuels our collective drive - and success.

Our people are our purpose, and our brand is our people. We seek extraordinary individuals who drive our brand promise of Creating Exceptional Experiences. We are a people-first organization, ignited from the inside to succeed on the outside. We are a tight-knit, inclusive, values-driven team and we trust one another to have each other’s backs. We show up every day with open hearts, an inclusive mindset, and genuine respect for those around us. We have fun, grow together, and strive to leave a positive lasting impression on everyons we meet.

What Success Looks Like

Position Summary:

The Lead Line Cook supports the culinary team by leading day-to-day food preparation and ensuring consistent, high-quality dishes that align with Columbia Hospitality’s culinary standards. This role assists with training and guidance of line cooks, oversees kitchen organization, and ensures compliance with all sanitation and safety requirements while actively participating in cooking and service.

• Utilizes specification sheets to prepare daily preparation requirements and maintains par levels of necessary items
• Prepares new menu items under the direction of the Sous Chef
• Ensures attractive and consistent presentation of food items, both buffet and plated
• Interacts with and provides direction to line cooks to monitor quality, presentation, and consistency
• Handles all guest and banquet needs, accommodating special requests in a timely manner
• Sets up, re-stocks, maintains, and cleans food preparation areas
• Ensures presentation standards are met for all hot and cold items
• Reads and interprets recipes accurately
• Conducts product inventories, ordering, and receiving of product as directed
• Maintains team grooming and uniform standards
• Ensures team adherence to sanitation and safe food-handling standards
• Oversees and executes all opening and closing kitchen procedures
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned by management to support departmental and organizational goals.

All job duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and without discrimination

What You Bring

• 5+ years in industry, at least two years as a lead
• Able to cook proteins to pre-determined temperatures
• Ability to cook and direct a banquet up to 100 with a help of a small team
• Necessary State Food Handler’s License(s)
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instruction, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one on one and small group situations to other employees of the organization
• Working knowledge of all mother and minor sauces
• Working knowledge of proper butchering techniquesKnowledge of specialized equipment: Mastering of slicer, Robo-coup, Hobart, convection ovens
• Must possess knife skills, the ability to adjust preparations for flavor, and accommodate customer’s needs in a timely manner

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Columbia Hospitality we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Where you’ll work:
In 1914, Smith Tower became the first skyscraper in Seattle, and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. More than 100 years later, a new Smith Tower visitor experience has reinvigorated this local icon to the delight of visitors and tenants alike. Visitors can now enjoy Smith Tower like they've never seen before. Today, it features an entirely new visitor experience including a ground-floor gathering place with gifts, souvenirs and treats, observational deck and bar where you can enjoy a locally inspired menu of shareable plates and classic cocktails.
Smith Tower carries on its legacy of memory-making through leading tours that provide fascinating insight into the building's renowned past and legendary mysteries, hosting private events, and providing breathtaking views from every angle of the open-air Observatory.

The Fine Print
Columbia Hospitality, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy and these values.

Accountability | Creativity | Enthusiasm | Honesty | Inclusion | Respect

Columbia Hospitality is a national management and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in creating hospitality solutions and delivering exceptional experiences. Our portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia Hospitality has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal for their commitment to creating a fun, dynamic and nurturing work environment for team members.

Smith Tower, 506 2nd Ave, 1st Floor, Seattle, Washington, United States of America