A Cook
Cook, Chef
noun
You've seen 料理 and probably know it means "cooking." So, what is a person who does cooking? That is a cook or chef.
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.
コウイチからの手紙を読んで、料理人になる決意を固めました。
After reading Koichi’s letter, I hardened my resolve to become a cook.
料理人は、「料理が気に入らなかったら、残してくださっていいですよ」と悲しそうに言いました。
The chef ruefully said, "If you don't like my food, just leave it."
その料理人は、冷凍庫のドアから栓抜きを剥ぎ取った。
The chef grabbed the bottle opener hanging from the freezer door.