LEAD COOK, ODETTE
ROLE: Lead Cook, The Orion Amphitheater
LOCATION: Huntsville, AL
POSITION: Seasonal Part-Time
ABOUT ODETTE
Odette is a hospitality and culinary operation built around great food, thoughtful service, and memorable experiences. From our restaurant and public-facing food operations at The Orion Amphitheater to backstage artist catering and private events, we take pride in creating welcoming environments and delivering exceptional hospitality.
We believe great hospitality goes beyond simply meeting expectations. It's about anticipating needs, paying attention to the little things, and making people feel genuinely cared for. We value team members who take pride in their work, support one another, move with purpose, and aren't afraid to go the extra mile.
Whether you're an experienced hospitality professional or someone looking to learn and grow in the industry, we'd love to meet you!
POSITION SUMMARY
Odette is looking for an experienced and motivated Lead Cook to help guide daily kitchen execution across our catering operations and event outlets.
This role is for someone who combines strong culinary skills with leadership, organization, and the ability to keep a team moving. Lead Cooks help translate kitchen plans into successful service by setting expectations, maintaining quality standards, supporting other cooks, and ensuring preparation and service run efficiently.
Our operations can range from regular restaurant-style service to large-scale artist catering and high-volume concert events. The ideal candidate is comfortable navigating different styles of service, thinking on their feet, and leading by example in a fast-paced environment.
We're looking for someone who takes ownership, communicates clearly, and understands that a successful kitchen is built on teamwork, consistency, and a shared commitment to hospitality.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead daily kitchen preparation and service execution as directed by the Chef or kitchen management.
- Oversee assigned kitchen stations and help coordinate workflow to ensure timely, consistent food production.
- Prepare and execute menu items according to recipes, established standards, and presentation guidelines.
- Support and guide other cooks and kitchen team members through preparation and service.
- Help delegate tasks, establish priorities, and ensure preparation lists and service responsibilities are completed.
- Demonstrate proper cooking techniques, food handling, sanitation, and kitchen organization.
- Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, portion control, and presentation.
- Monitor food inventory and communicate product shortages, waste, and replenishment needs to kitchen leadership.
- Help ensure food is properly stored, labeled, dated, rotated, and maintained at appropriate temperatures.
- Anticipate service needs and proactively address potential challenges before they impact operations.
- Communicate clearly with kitchen leadership, fellow cooks, and front-of-house or catering personnel.
- Help train and develop kitchen team members through hands-on guidance and positive feedback.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional kitchen environment.
- Adapt to changing service demands, event schedules, and operational priorities.
- Lead by example and contribute to a positive, collaborative kitchen culture.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & PREREQUISITES
- Previous experience in a fast-paced restaurant, banquet, catering, or professional kitchen environment is required.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, guide, or support other kitchen team members.
- Strong working knowledge of various cooking techniques, kitchen equipment, and food preparation methods.
- Solid understanding of food safety, sanitation, temperature control, and proper food handling procedures.
- Exceptional time management, organization, and prioritization skills.
- Ability to independently assess situations, make decisions, and troubleshoot challenges during service.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm, focused, and solution-oriented in high-pressure environments.
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership over kitchen operations.
- Willingness to jump in and assist wherever needed rather than simply delegate.
- Ability to provide direction, constructive feedback, and hands-on support to other team members.
- Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high standards.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical duties associated with kitchen work.
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and concert/event days as needed.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Someone who can lead from the front. You have the experience and confidence to take ownership of a kitchen, but you also understand the importance of humility, teamwork, and a positive attitude. You're proactive, solution-oriented, and willing to get your hands dirty. You know how to keep people moving, maintain standards, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work.
BENEFITS & PERKS
We believe in taking care of the people who take care of our guests. Team members can enjoy:
- A complimentary shift meal each day worked.
- A collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
- Opportunities to learn new skills, develop culinary experience, and grow within the operation.