Job Overview

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Compensation

Hourly
Range $12.00 - $16.00
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Meal Allowances
uniform provided

Job Description

Our establishment is a dynamic and fast-paced kitchen environment committed to delivering exceptional culinary experiences to our guests. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards in food quality, kitchen organisation, and team collaboration. As a leading player in the hospitality industry, our kitchen operates with precision and professionalism to ensure every dish served not only meets but exceeds our guests' expectations. We foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability, creating an inspiring workplace where culinary skills can flourish and career growth is encouraged. Our commitment to quality and efficiency places us among the best in the sector, making us a preferred destination for both customers and culinary professionals.

The Kitchen Lead role is crucial to our success, serving as the operational backbone during each shift. This position demands a detailed-oriented individual who can seamlessly integrate the skills of leadership with hands-on kitchen expertise. The Kitchen Lead oversees the execution of daily kitchen operations, ensuring that every dish is prepared according to recipe specifications and plated correctly to maintain high presentation standards. This role bridges the communication gap between the kitchen staff and management, ensuring that systems are followed strictly, operations run smoothly, and that there is consistency in food quality and service pace.

As the primary point of contact within the kitchen during service hours, the Kitchen Lead must exhibit exceptional organisational skills to maintain station readiness, monitor food safety and sanitation practices, and control inventory through proper food rotation and labeling. By leading the kitchen team by example in work ethic, attitude, and accountability, the Kitchen Lead creates an environment that upholds professionalism and encourages team cooperation. This role also includes training new kitchen members, reinforcing kitchen standards, and stepping into various stations to support team members as necessary, especially during peak service times.

The Kitchen Lead is also responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment, enforcing daily cleaning standards and ensuring compliance with food handling and storage regulations. Effective communication is vital in this role, as the Kitchen Lead must relay important information to management and front of house staff regarding operational challenges, product shortages, or equipment issues that might impact service quality.

This role requires a balance of leadership, culinary skill, and operational management, demanding composure and urgency during high-volume periods while protecting the guest experience and food quality at all times. The employment type may typically be full-time, and while salary expectations are not stated explicitly here, compensation commensurate with experience and industry standards is anticipated. This position offers the opportunity to be an integral part of a respected kitchen team that values excellence, innovation, and team development.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • previous experience working in a professional kitchen
  • knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitation protocols
  • ability to work flexible hours including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • physical stamina to stand for long periods and perform kitchen duties
  • excellent communication skills
  • leadership qualities and teamwork mindset
  • ability to maintain composure during busy service times
  • attention to detail and commitment to quality

Job Qualifications

  • Proven experience in a kitchen lead or supervisory role
  • strong knowledge of food preparation and safety standards
  • ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • excellent leadership and communication skills
  • experience training staff and maintaining kitchen standards
  • familiarity with kitchen equipment and operational procedures
  • strong organisational and multitasking abilities

Job Duties

  • Ensure all food is prepared to recipe spec and plated correctly
  • maintain ticket times and coordinate the line during service
  • monitor quality and consistency on every plate leaving the kitchen
  • step into any station when needed to keep service moving
  • help direct cooks and prep staff during service
  • reinforce kitchen systems, standards, and expectations
  • assist in training new kitchen team members on stations and procedures
  • maintain a professional, accountable work environment
  • ensure stations are stocked, prepped, and ready for service
  • maintain proper food rotation (FIFO) and labeling
  • monitor prep levels and communicate needs before service
  • enforce daily cleaning standards and station organization
  • ensure proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices
  • maintain a clean and safe work environment throughout the shift
  • act as the primary kitchen point of contact during service
  • communicate clearly with management and front of house when needed
  • alert management to product shortages, equipment issues, or operational concerns
  • lead by example in work ethic, attitude, and accountability
  • maintain composure and urgency during high-volume service
  • protect food quality and guest experience at all times

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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