Lead Prep Cook

Din Tai Fung North America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account

Commuter Benefits

401(k) Plan with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts through BenefitHub

Employee Meal Discounts

Paid Time Off

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Din Tai Fung North America in Manhattan is seeking a Prep Lead to oversee all back-of-house prep operations, ensure accurate ingredient prep, and uphold safety and quality standards.

You will lead the prep team, train cooks on knife skills, monitor inventory and waste reduction, and coordinate with kitchen managers to meet daily demand while maintaining a clean, compliant prep area.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of prep or kitchen experience.
• Basic knife skills and ability to follow recipes.
• Strong attention to detail and time management.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Leadership or trainer experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily prep operations and delegate tasks based on prep list and volume needs.
• Ensure proper execution of all recipes, portioning, labeling, and storage practices.
• Monitor food quality, prep times, and shelf life of batch items.
• Train and coach Prep Cooks on knife skills, station organization, and safety protocols.
• Track inventory usage and assist with ordering and waste reduction.
• Maintain clean and organized prep areas in compliance with health regulations.
• Communicate proactively with line leads and leadership on prep status and shortages.
• Support cross-training and jump in to assist line teams when needed.
• Adhere to all food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness guidelines.

Skills

Prep experience

Leadership

Knife skills

Job description

Why Join Din Tai Fung?

Din Tai Fung (DTF) is a globally celebrated, family-owned restaurant brand founded in 1972 and internationally renowned for its iconic Xiao Long Bao. With more than 165 locations across 13 countries including 21 in North America. DTF is Michelin-recognized and admired for its uncompromising quality, authentic flavors, and warm, gracious hospitality. Each location delivers an elevated yet inviting cultural dining experience designed to delight guests on any occasion.

Location

Manhattan - Paramount Plaza - 1633 Broadway New York, 10019

Pay Rate

$26.50 per hour

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive Pay & Benefits
• Employer Contribution for individuals and eligible dependents' medical insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts through BenefitHub
• Employee Meal Discounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work-life balance (accrued based on length of service)
• Opportunities for growth; we love promoting within!

Job Purpose

The Prep Lead oversees all back-of-house prep operations, specialty beverage and cold appetizer plating, ensuring that ingredients and batch items are prepped accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with safety and quality standards. This role provides day-to-day direction to the prep team, supports inventory management, and collaborates closely with kitchen managers and leads to meet operational needs.

Job Responsibilities & Tasks

• Lead daily prep operations and delegate tasks based on prep list and volume needs.
• Ensure proper execution of all recipes, portioning, labeling, and storage practices.
• Monitor food quality, prep times, and shelf life of batch items.
• Train and coach Prep Cooks on knife skills, station organization, and safety protocols.
• Track inventory usage and assist with ordering and waste reduction.
• Maintain clean and organized prep areas in compliance with health regulations.
• Communicate proactively with line leads and leadership on prep status and shortages.
• Support cross-training and jump in to assist line teams when needed.
• Adhere to all food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness guidelines.

Job Requirements

• 1+ years of prep or kitchen experience.
• Basic knife skills and ability to follow recipes.
• Strong attention to detail and time management.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Leadership or trainer experience preferred.

NOTE:

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

Applicant must be 18 years of age or older and able to provide documentation to work in the United States legally.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Din Tai Fung North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and welcome all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state/provincial, and local laws.

U.S. Employment Eligibility

In the United States, Din Tai Fung North America participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for all new hires. To learn more, please visit: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees.