Lead Line Cook: Path to Sous Chef in Training

White Lodging Careers; Teaneck Township (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DailyPay

Advanced scheduling via app

Referral bonuses

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Wellness tools

Leadership development & tuition

Hotel discounts

Growth opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

White Lodging is seeking a Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team. This leadership role steps into a Sous Chef in training capacity, guiding daily BOH operations, mentoring junior kitchen staff, and keeping production running smoothly in a fast-paced hotel kitchen.

If you're a senior line cook aiming for culinary management, this role offers hands-on leadership experience backed by White Lodging, a top hospitality company operating premium hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars nationwide.

Qualifications

• Solid working knowledge of all commercial kitchen equipment and culinary preparation techniques.
• Proficiency in sautéing, broiling, frying, roasting, butchery, garde manger, pantry, and breakfast cookery.
• Experience leading or mentoring kitchen staff — prior lead cook or senior cook experience preferred.
• Culinary degree, culinary school training, or apprenticeship preferred — not required.
• Ability to stand and move at a fast pace for extended periods in a high-volume kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Sous Chef in training — stepping into full kitchen management responsibilities and overseeing all BOH operations in the Sous Chef's absence
• Mentor and collaborate with Entry Level Cooks, Line Cooks, culinary apprentices, and stewards while managing daily food preparation and production in the food outlet
• Follow company F&B procedures, health department regulations, and federal food safety guidelines
• Assist in maintaining food cost and labor cost standards to meet financial targets
• Check ingredient freshness; enforce all recipe standards and portion-use records across the team
• Monitor guest feedback scores and proactively influence food quality and service consistency
• Foster a culture of cooperation, respect, and professional kitchen standards among all coworkers
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Culinary skills

High-volume kitchen

Line cook leadership

Cookery techniques

Education

Culinary degree or apprenticeship

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

White Lodging is seeking a Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team. This leadership role steps into a Sous Chef in training capacity, guiding daily BOH operations, mentoring junior kitchen staff, and keeping production running smoothly in a fast-paced hotel kitchen.

If you're a senior line cook aiming for culinary management, this role offers hands-on leadership experience backed by White Lodging, a top hospitality company operating premium hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars nationwide.