Cook, Lead - Ballast Point -

Ballast Point Brewing Company; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance plans

Employee assistance program

Product discount

Product allowance and ride reimburse

Job summary

Ballast Point Brewing Company in San Diego is seeking a Lead Cook to ensure our tasting room kitchen runs smoothly. You will prepare food for service, supervise line staff, and uphold safety and quality standards in a fast-paced environment.

The role reports to the Executive Chef and supports the kitchen during high-volume periods, ensuring consistent portions and creative daily specials while maintaining a clean, compliant workspace.

Qualifications

• Progressive restaurant, banquet, or catering experience in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment.
• Strong cooking methods proficiency with limited supervision.
• Team player with customer service focus.

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen team in the Executive Chef's absence.
• Train kitchen staff on procedures.
• Produce high-quality plates following recipes.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized kitchen.
• Communicate inventory and supply needs to Chef/Management.
• Ensure proper portions and hygiene standards.
• Adapt to changing business needs.

Skills

High-volume cooking

Leadership

Food safety

POS & software

Education

Culinary diploma

Job description

Company Summary

Established in 1996 in San Diego, California, Ballast Point has earned a reputation for innovation, quality, and a passion for the craft. Our brewery not only excels in creating world-class beer, but also in fostering a vibrant and inclusive culture. We value teamwork, creativity, and a dedication to quality that extends to every aspect of our operation.

If you are passionate about craft beer, innovation, and want to be a part of a dynamic company with a storied history, Ballast Point Brewing Company is the perfect place to embark on a rewarding career journey. Join us as we continue to push the boundaries of brewing excellence and make a lasting impact in the world of craft beer.

Position Summary

The Lead Cook ensures our kitchen operations in our Tasting Rooms run smoothly. They are responsible for preparing food for service and helping to make sure the kitchen stays clean, tidy, and fully operational. This individual will report to the Executive Chef and will play a key role in driving the company's high-volume needs and quality expectations.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support kitchen team members in the Executive Chef's absence
• Possess the ability to execute all positions within the kitchen and assist line staff whenever necessary
• Train kitchen employees on practices and procedures
• Produce high-quality plates, both design and taste-wise, by following standardized recipes
• Utilize FIFO (first-in, first-out) method to minimize and prevent food waste and product loss
• Keep cooking stations stocked, especially before and during prime operating hours
• Set up, oversee, and organize kitchen stock and ingredients
• Ensure that proper portions of meats, fish, poultry, as specified, are served consistently and properly for regular menu items and special event functions
• Participate in the creative process of developing daily menu specials, including dessert items
• Uphold the highest standards of kitchen cleanliness and follow all Health Department and Company guidelines to ensure safe food handling and proper hygiene is in place
• Maintain a safe and hazard‑free work environment in a fast‑paced kitchen setting
• Follow established safety protocols to foster a safe and hazard‑free work environment, be quick to provide solutions in emergency situations
• Communicate inventory and supply needs with Executive Chef and Retail management team, as needed
• Successfully maintain positive, respectful work relationships with management team, coworkers, contractors, and vendors
• Implement outlined opening and closing procedures
• Adapt to changing working environments and directions based on business needs
• Utilize strong oral and written communication skills to coordinate activities and provide general updates to peers and management
• Escalate personnel matters such as employee attendance and disciplinary action to management team

What You’ll Need

• Previous progressive restaurant, banquet, or catering work experience in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency demonstrating various cooking methods with limited to no supervision
• Ability to work in a high pressure, fast paced environment, and adaptable
• Basic knowledge of computer software programs (MS Office, Google Docs, POS)
• ServSafe Food Handler Certified or willing to obtain
• Be a team player with strong customer service focus
• Previous educational or vocational training in food preparation, hospitality, management, nutrition, or culinary diploma from a recognized institution
• Previous responsibility training staff and implementing kitchen procedures
• High level of creativity and reliability
• Prior supervisory experience
• Schedule flexibility with nights, weekends, and holiday availability preferred
• Background check is required following all offers of employment. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records

Our Lead Cooks are good under pressure, good at following direction, perfectionist when it comes to quality, flexible and open to change, and works well with others. Our team is Honest, Acts with Integrity, Friendly, Kind, Respectful, Approachable and have a high‑level ability to multi‑task.

Compensation

• Hourly Rate: $

The Perks

• Medical insurance plans available for all employees
• Access to a network of free therapists, up to 8 visits, through our Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Product discount on Ballast Point merchandise, food, and beer at all 5 Ballast Point locations
• $50 product allowance and $90 safe ride reimbursements

Ballast Point Brewing Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

Please note this Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.