Lead Line Cook: Path to Sous Chef & Leadership Growth

White Lodging; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DailyPay

Shift swapping app

Unlimited referral bonuses

401(k) with company match

Paid time off with rollover

Wellness tools

Job summary

White Lodging is seeking a Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team in a fast-paced hotel kitchen. This leadership role is designed for an experienced line cook ready to step toward Sous Chef, guiding daily back-of-house operations and mentoring junior staff.

The position emphasizes hands-on leadership, recipe standards, and collaboration with a dynamic culinary team across multiple hotel properties. Prior lead or senior cook experience is preferred, and a culinary degree or equivalent training

Qualifications

• Experience leading or mentoring kitchen staff.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
• Culinary degree or training preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead cook and mentor junior kitchen staff.
• Oversee daily back-of-house operations and ensure food quality and safety.
• Follow F&B procedures and health regulations.
• Assist in managing food cost and labor costs to meet targets.
• Ensure recipe standards and portion control across the team.
• Support a positive, professional kitchen culture.

Skills

Leadership experience

Cooking techniques

Education

Culinary degree or training

Job description

Who We Are

White Lodging is hiring a Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team! This is a kitchen leadership role designed for an experienced line cook who is ready to take the next step toward becoming a Sous Chef. You'll step into a Sous Chef in training capacity, leading daily back-of-house (BOH) operations, mentoring junior kitchen staff, and keeping production running smoothly across a fast-paced hotel kitchen environment.

Description

Summary:

Who We Are

White Lodging is hiring a Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team! This is a kitchen leadership role designed for an experienced line cook who is ready to take the next step toward becoming a Sous Chef. You'll step into a Sous Chef in training capacity, leading daily back-of-house (BOH) operations, mentoring junior kitchen staff, and keeping production running smoothly across a fast-paced hotel kitchen environment.

If you're a senior line cook or lead cook looking for a clear path to culinary management, this role offers the hands-on leadership experience you need — backed by one of the country's top hospitality companies operating premium hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars across the U.S.

Responsibilities:

What You'll Do

• 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
  
  

What You'll Bring

• Solid working knowledge of all commercial kitchen equipment and culinary preparation techniques
• Demonstrated 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 strongly 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
  
  

Other information:

What You Can Look Forward To

• DailyPay — get paid when you need it
• Advanced scheduling with easy shift swapping via our app
• Unlimited employee referral bonuses
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO) with rollover
• Complimentary wellness tools
• Leadership development & tuition reimbursement
• Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and travel
• Growth opportunities across multiple hotel properties in your market
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Full-time associates also receive:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance — starting day 1
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
  

White Lodging is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates.