How to Become a Lead Cook

A lead cook, sometimes also called a head or executive chef, is in charge of the entire kitchen staff at a restaurant, hotel or other place where meals are planned and served on a regular basis. The lead cook supervises the other cooks, plans menus, orders supplies and fills in with actual cooking as needed. To become a lead cook, a person needs to have a passion for cooking, a good head for business and a formal education in the culinary arts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Kitchen work experience
• Supervisory experience
• Menu planning experience
• Culinary arts education

1. Get a job as a lower-level cook or assistant in a restaurant to gain some valuable work experience in the field. It can take several years to become experienced enough to be promoted to lead cook.
2. Take advantage of any on-the-job training courses that your employer offers. This can be a good way to work your way up the ladder and acquire the needed skills to become a lead cook.
3. Talk to your supervisor about the possibility of moving to a position that allows you to supervise other kitchen staff. A lead cook needs to have experience supervising others and delegating duties.
4. Plan some sample menus and show them to the more experienced cooks in your kitchen. Ask for feedback that will help you become familiar with the process of menu planning. Learn all that you can from your coworkers.
5. Begin your formal culinary arts education. Take courses in food safety, budgeting and nutrition as well as the practical labs where you practice cooking dishes. A well-rounded education will look good on your resume and prepare you for a career as a lead cook.
6. Show a passion for food as you cook in your classes or on the job. The very long hours a lead cook works can lead to burnout very quickly if you do not like what you are doing.
7. Network with your classmates, coworkers and any other people you know in the food service industry to find jobs that would be appropriate for you to pursue. Most colleges have career centers that provide help with updating resumes and looking for employment.

Tips & Warnings

• Being a lead cook or chef is not as glamorous as it may seem on television or in the movies. Cooking professionally is a lot of hard work that can wear you out physically and emotionally. Be sure to take care of yourself by eating regular meals--not just grabbing a quick bite at work--and getting enough rest. Wear shoes that are comfortable and functional, as you will be on your feet for many hours each day.

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