Lead Cook / Culinary Lead (Full-time w/ benefits)– Clarksville, IN

Derby Dinner Playhouse is seeking a Lead Cook / Culinary Lead to help maintain exceptional food quality in one of Southern Indiana’s busiest dinner theatres. This role focuses on food quality, recipe execution, and training rather than scheduling, ordering, or employee management.

About the role

You’ll work closely with the Executive Chef and Assistant Kitchen Manager to ensure every guest receives a consistent, high-quality dining experience in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Lead food production during shifts when the Executive Chef is not on-site.
• Prepare high-quality buffet-style meals for large guest counts.
• Train and mentor new kitchen employees on recipes, preparation techniques, and kitchen procedures.
• Ensure recipes are followed consistently to maintain quality and portion control.
• Monitor food presentation, temperature, and overall quality before service.
• Assist with prep, cooking, carving, buffet production, and plating.
• Help identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency and food consistency.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and sanitation.
• Work collaboratively with the Assistant Kitchen Manager to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

Requirements

• 3+ years of professional cooking experience.
• Experience in banquet, buffet, catering, hotel, casino, institutional, or high-volume restaurant kitchens preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques and cooking methods.
• Experience training or mentoring other cooks is highly preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to producing consistent, high-quality food.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid vacation
• Employee meals during shifts
• Stable, year-round employment
• Professional, team-oriented work environment
• Opportunities to grow your culinary skills

Pay

$15-$17/hour

Schedule

Full-Time. Evening and weekend availability required.

About Derby Dinner Playhouse

Derby Dinner Playhouse has entertained audiences for over 50 years and is one of America’s largest and longest-running professional dinner theatres. Located in Clarksville, Indiana, we combine Broadway-quality performances with outstanding dining, welcoming hundreds of guests to each performance.