Culinary Lead

oxford; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Tommy Bahama in Newport Beach is hiring an Island Life ambassador to lead kitchen and front-of-house teams with a focus on exceptional guest experiences and island-inspired cuisine. You will guide staff, maintain brand standards, and drive daily operations with aloha spirit.

Ideal candidates have at least 2+ years in high-volume culinary or hospitality roles, possess a current food handler’s card, and communicate clearly.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of high-volume culinary/hospitality experience.
• Current food handler’s card and required certifications.
• Knowledge of full food service operations, prep, plating and timing.
• Strong verbal and written communication; able to convey operational info.
• Willing to perform other duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Create a relaxed destination by promoting a learning and training environment.
• Know and execute all food menus/recipes including ingredients and presentation.
• Provide constructive feedback to kitchen teammates and maintain open dialogue.
• Facilitate company training programs and monitor team performance.

Skills

Culinary leadership

High volume hospitality

Verbal communication

Written communication

Training & coaching

Education

Food handler’s card

Job description

LIVE THE ISLAND LIFE

Tommy Bahama is more than just an island inspired brand, it’s a lifestyle! Live the Island Life as an ambassador of our brand, all while providing 5-star food and service! We look for those who are passionate about growth as we offer a variety of rewarding positions from culinary, front of house and management teams. You will play an integral role in restaurant’s leadership, inspiring your team to work together to achieve our goals and create an environment of aloha fun. Come join us, share knowledge on each season’s scratch cuisine, hand crafted cocktails, and provide guest with world class dining - taking them some place great!

BE THE ISLAND GUIDE

• Create a relaxed destination – Promote a learning and training environment for all kitchen member to ensure culinary and financial success
• Set the course – Possess complete knowledge and ensure timely execution of all food menus/recipes – including ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation
• Build the perfect oasis – Provide constructive performance feedback to kitchen teammates while practicing open, authentic dialogue with the restaurant team
• Support your crew – Ensure transfer of learned skills on-the-job by facilitating the implementation of company training programs and monitoring team performance

ESSENTIALS FOR LIFE IN PARADISE

• You have 2+ years of high volume culinary/hospitality experience
• You have a current food handler’s card and other certification as required by federal/state/local law
• You have knowledge of food/restaurant service skills - all phases of food production and service, including storage and rotation, food preparation, recipe adherence, plate presentation, and service and production time standards
• You have strong verbal and written communications skills and is able to communicate operational information - proven track record of increasing experience and responsibility
• Willingness to perform other duties as required that are necessary to support the business

Wage Range $20.00 to $25.00 per hour

Mahalo (thank you) for your interest in Tommy Bahama!

Tommy Bahama is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants based on race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, military and veteran status, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, genetic information, reproductive health decision-making or any other characteristic protected by law.

Tommy Bahama participates in E-Verify. Details in English and Spanish. Right to Work Statement in English and Spanish.