Kitchen Shift Lead

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Employee Discounts
flexible schedule
Meal allowance

Job Description

Commandough's is a vibrant and dynamic culinary establishment known for its commitment to excellence and high-energy kitchen environment. As a standout player in the foodservice industry, Commandough's offers both dine-in and takeout experiences that highlight quality dishes prepared with precision and passion. Located in a bustling setting, their kitchen team is the heart of this operation, pulsing to the beat of a fast-paced service rhythm. The company prides itself on fostering a collaborative atmosphere where culinary artisans — dubbed Culinary Craftsmen and Constructors — work seamlessly under defined standards to deliver consistently outstanding culinary results.

Within this spirited environment, the role of Commandough's Culinary Conductor emerges as a pivotal leadership position. This role is not simply about overseeing shifts but about setting the tempo and orchestrating the entire back-of-house team to function as a unified, efficient, and well-synchronized unit. The Culinary Conductor’s responsibility is to maintain the flow of service with sharp focus and pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen. Acting as the pulse of the kitchen line, this individual takes charge of coordinating prep tasks, cooking, plating, and sanitation while ensuring adherence to Commandough’s quality standards.

The Culinary Conductor is instrumental in managing communication lines between team members during peak service hours, masterminding station flow, and solving any operational obstacles swiftly and competently. This leadership role extends to maintaining rigorous quality control by inspecting every dish for presentation, temperature, portion, and accuracy before it reaches guests. In addition, maintaining cleanliness and organizational standards throughout the kitchen is essential to the position.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience as a line cook or shift lead within fast-paced kitchens and possess certification such as ServSafe or an equivalent credential. Working knowledge of managing multiple stations, ticket flow, and team coordination under pressure is critical. Furthermore, this role demands a proactive attitude, a communicative leadership style, and an unwavering commitment to the brand’s culinary standards. Availability for night shifts, weekends, and holidays is required, as well as the physical capability to lift over 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and move efficiently within a hot kitchen environment.

In essence, Commandough's Culinary Conductor is a leadership role that combines management skills with hands-on culinary expertise to inspire and guide the kitchen team. This role is perfect for someone who views the kitchen as a team sport, leading like a coach and conductor to ensure outstanding performance and consistency during every service. The Culinary Conductor works closely with the Culinary Committee and Commander in Chief, upholding the integrity of Commandough's offerings and ensuring nothing leaves the line without meeting the highest standards. This position not only demands operational prowess but also a passion for culinary excellence and team leadership in a busy, dynamic setting.

Job Requirements

  • Must have strong experience as a line cook and/or shift lead in a high-paced kitchen
  • ServSafe certification or equivalent required
  • Able to manage multiple stations, tickets, and team members with calm under pressure
  • Must be proactive, communicative, and standards-driven
  • Available for nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Able to lift 50+ lbs, stand for long periods, and move efficiently in a hot kitchen

Job Qualifications

  • Strong experience as a line cook or shift lead in a high-paced kitchen
  • ServSafe certification or equivalent
  • Proven leadership and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple stations and team members under pressure
  • Knowledge of food safety protocols and kitchen sanitation
  • Ability to maintain calm and composure during peak service
  • Experience with quality control in food preparation

Job Duties

  • Lead the Culinary Craftsmen and Constructors during active shifts, overseeing prep, cooking, plating, and sanitation
  • Manage station flow and communication across the line to maintain speed, accuracy, and calm
  • Run or support the Expo station, ensuring correct orders, plate integrity, and timing
  • Maintain awareness of tickets, prep levels, and order timing to avoid bottlenecks
  • Inspect every dish before it hits the pass—presentation, temperature, portion, and accuracy matter
  • Uphold cleanliness and organization at every station throughout the shift
  • Reinforce proper use of recipes, portions, and labeling protocols
  • Call out tickets clearly and keep Expo rhythm steady during peak service
  • Communicate with the Composer Captain to stay synced on flow, delays, and guest priorities
  • Relay issues, needs, or out-of-stock items immediately to leadership and fellow BOH committee members
  • Lead end-of-shift breakdown including cleaning, labeling, cooling, storage, and closing checklist compliance
  • Ensure food safety standards are followed at all times
  • Provide feedback to team members in real-time and escalate concerns as needed

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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