Lead Cook – Catering KitchenMack & Kates Catering Company
Franklin, Tennessee
Lead Our Kitchen. Create Exceptional Food.
For over 25 years, Mack & Kates Catering Company has been one of Middle Tennessee's premier caterers, known for outstanding food, impeccable service, and memorable events. We are seeking an experienced Lead Cook to help oversee daily food production in our busy catering kitchen.
This is more than a line cook position. We're looking for someone who naturally leads by example, takes ownership of the kitchen, and has the skills and confidence to direct production while maintaining the highest culinary standards.
Position Responsibilities
- Lead daily food production in a high-volume catering kitchen.
- Prepare and execute menus for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and special events.
- Supervise and assist kitchen staff during prep and production.
- Ensure recipes, portioning, presentation, and quality standards are consistently met.
- Coordinate production timelines to meet delivery and event deadlines.
- Train and mentor newer kitchen team members.
- Monitor food quality, inventory, and product rotation.
- Maintain a clean, organized kitchen while enforcing food safety and sanitation standards.
- Work closely with ownership to continually improve kitchen operations and menu execution.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of professional kitchen experience.
- Previous experience as a Lead Cook, Senior Line Cook, Banquet Cook, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Supervisor preferred.
- Catering, hotel, banquet, or high-volume restaurant experience is highly desirable.
- Excellent knife skills and understanding of professional cooking techniques.
- Ability to organize multiple production tasks while meeting strict deadlines.
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Dependable, punctual, and committed to excellence.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and work weekends as required.
We're Looking For Someone Who
- Leads with a positive attitude.
- Takes pride in producing exceptional food.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen.
- Can anticipate problems before they happen.
- Works efficiently without sacrificing quality.
- Treats every event as if it were their own.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay based on experience.
- Full-time, year-round employment.
- Overtime opportunities during peak seasons.
- Paid vacation after eligibility requirements.
- Advancement opportunities into Sous Chef and Kitchen Management.
- Family-owned company with over 25 years of success.
- A respectful, professional kitchen where your ideas and leadership are valued.
If you're an experienced culinary professional ready to take the next step in your career and become a key leader in a respected catering operation, we'd like to meet you.
Apply today by submitting your resume to: [email protected]
Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Food provided
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
