Lead Cook

Job Description – Lead Cook

Job Title: Lead CookReports to: Kitchen ManagerEmployment Type: Full-Time / Non-ExemptEligible for Tips: Yes – Crew Level 6

About Olive & Finch Collective

Olive & Finch Collective is a Denver-based hospitality group committed to fresh, chef-driven meals, exceptional guest experiences, and a people-first culture. Since opening in 2013, our growing portfolio now includes restaurants, neighborhood cafés, a full-service bakeshop, a robust catering and events division, retail and grab-and-go operations, and multiple locations at Denver International Airport. At Olive & Finch, we believe in inclusive leadership, sustainable growth, and nourishing both our guests and our teams.

Position Summary

The Lead Cook is the senior cook in the back-of-house team, responsible for overseeing line operations, supporting kitchen leadership, and ensuring consistency across all stations. Building on the skills of Cook 3, this role adds responsibility for ordering, prep lists, and inventory management. The Lead Cook acts as the bridge between the kitchen team and management, providing leadership, training, and operational support to keep the kitchen running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform all duties of Cook 3, including independently running stations and mentoring team members.
• Oversee kitchen operations during service to ensure consistency, timing, and smooth execution.
• Assist the Kitchen Manager with ordering, receiving, and vendor relations.
• Create and manage daily prep lists to ensure the kitchen is ready for service.
• Support inventory management, tracking usage and helping control costs.
• Train, mentor, and support BOH Crew & Cook 1–3 team members in best practices.
• Ensure all food meets Olive & Finch recipes, build guides, and presentation standards.
• Model professionalism and uphold kitchen culture and values.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years of kitchen experience, including advanced station skills.
• Experience assisting with ordering, inventory, or prep list management preferred.
• Strong leadership and training abilities.
• Proven ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexible availability, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Competencies / Core Values

• Leadership-minded and team-focused.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and quality-driven.
• Dependable, proactive, and solution-oriented.
• Committed to upholding Olive & Finch standards and values.

Reporting Structure

Reports to the Kitchen Manager. Provides daily leadership and training for BOH Crew and Cooks 1–3.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This is a hands-on, high-volume kitchen position requiring extended periods of standing, bending, lifting, and working in a hot, fast-paced environment. Must be able to handle exposure to heat, cold, and cleaning chemicals. Shifts may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay + tip share (Crew Level 6).
• Meal discounts, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for advancement.

EEO & At-Will Statement

Olive & Finch Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Olive & Finch is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate employment at any time, with or without notice or cause. This job description is not an employment contract and may be updated as business needs evolve.