Cook III
Company : Highgate
Location : Seattle, WA, 98121
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 29 December 2025
Compensation Type
HourlyHighgate Hotels
Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
Location
Located on the seam of Belltown and the retail core, the 97-room Kimpton Palladian Hotel is within walking distance of landmarks like Pike Place Market, the waterfront, and Seattle’s best new restaurants, live music venues, cafés, and boutiques. When you’re not exploring, your home base is a 1910 landmark reinvented in a masculine-chic style with luxe amenities, edgy design elements, and contemporary furnishings that reflect Belltown’s hip heritage. You’ll also find a heralded seafood restaurant in Shaker + Spear, a speakeasy-style social lounge called Pennyroyal, and a lobby you won’t soon forget. The Palladian beckons today’s tech titans and tastemakers.
Overview
The Lead Cook is responsible for supervising and assisting in the preparation of all food items for all outlets, Banquets, Room Service and Employee Cafeteria, while maintaining the highest standards to produce an appealing and appetizing product. They are also responsible for ensuring the cleanliness, sanitation and safety in the kitchen, and storage areas while minimizing waste and maximizing cost/production ratio.
Salary Range 27.00/hr- In addition to travel discounts at our hotels, Highgate offers competitive benefits, including three pricing tiers of medical coverage as well as Dental and Vision to full-time associates. Retirement 401k Program is open to both full-time and part- time staff who qualify.
Responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of all storage areas.
- Complete necessary food and station preparation prior to the opening of the restaurant in order to ensure that guests are served promptly and efficiently during the Restaurant and Room Service operating hours.
- Prepare and display buffet food items according to the hotel standards.
- Recognize quality standards in fresh vegetables, fish, and dairy and meat products.
- Maintain clean and sanitary environment with knowledge of proper handling, storage, and sanitation.
- Prepare food for Banquets, ad required, following specifications on Banquet Event Orders.
- Prepare and service food for the Employee Cafeteria as specified by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Prepare all foods following hotel standard recipes. Preparation of specials will be under the direction of the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Breakdown buffets and kitchen line, storing food and equipment properly at the end of each meal period.
- Work banquet food station as scheduled by the Chef or Kitchen Supervisor.
- Know the location and operation of all fire extinguishing equipment.
- Practice safe work habits at all times to avoid possible injury to self or other employees.
- Use Production Charts as specified by hotel’s standards.
- Be able to support any position in the Kitchen that is in need of help.
- Follow all Health Department and Company regulations in regards to food and storage standards and safety.
- Be able to operate and maintain cleanliness of all kitchen equipment.
- Maintain a “Clean As You Go” policy.
- Assist in storage and rotation of food items according to hotel procedures.
- Sign keys out and back in under supervision as needed
Qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
- Culinary experience required.
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to stand during entire shift
- Ability to withstand temperature variations both hot and cold.
- Have thorough knowledge of menus and the preparation required, according to hotel standards.
- Proficiency in the following cooking techniques: charbroiling, poaching, deep-frying, sauté, braising, roasting and par-cooking.
- Knowledge of herbs and spices and proper use of each
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Frequently asked questions
Excelling as a Cook III in Seattle means honing techniques like sautéing, braising, and charbroiling with precision. Familiarity with fresh local seafood and seasonal produce is vital, reflecting the city's culinary tastes, and elevating your food preparation to meet high standards.
A Cook III typically leads kitchen operations, supervising food prep and ensuring quality control across multiple outlets. This senior role demands expertise in diverse cooking methods and managing banquet or room service meals, setting it apart from more basic cook positions.
Yes, balancing speed with quality during peak service times, managing food safety standards rigorously, and coordinating with various departments to fulfill banquet orders are common challenges. Adaptability and multitasking under pressure are crucial in upscale hotel kitchens.
Highgate provides competitive hourly wages around $27, medical, dental, and vision plans with three coverage tiers, plus a 401k retirement program available to qualified employees. Additional benefits include travel discounts across their global hotel portfolio.
Working at Highgate's Kimpton Palladian, a Cook III supports kitchen leadership by overseeing food prep and sanitation. Collaboration with chefs and supervisors ensures menu standards and banquet specifications are met, fostering a dynamic and professional culinary environment.
Cook III roles in Seattle typically offer around $27 per hour, reflecting the city's higher living costs and competitive hospitality market. This rate is slightly above the national average for similar experience levels, aligning with the region's demand for skilled cooks.
Advancement can lead to supervisory or executive chef positions, especially within hotel chains like Highgate. Gaining expertise in banquet management and mastering diverse cooking styles opens pathways to leadership roles, culinary innovation, or specialized catering opportunities.
While formal culinary education is advantageous, practical experience and knowledge of health department regulations are often prioritized. Certifications like ServSafe can enhance job prospects, given Seattle’s strict food safety standards and competitive kitchen environments.
Seattle’s emphasis on sustainability and fresh local ingredients shapes kitchen priorities, demanding creativity and environmental awareness. The tech-savvy, fast-paced local culture also encourages efficiency and teamwork, reflecting Highgate’s modern hospitality approach.
Belltown’s urban core offers multiple public transit options and walkability, beneficial for cooks working varied shifts. However, traffic congestion during peak hours can impact commute times, so planning schedules accordingly is advisable for punctuality and work-life balance.