Experienced Line Cook

TMC Hospitality; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Drift Santa Barbara, part of TMC Hospitality, is seeking a Senior Line Cook to join a design-forward kitchen focused on consistency, quality, and timing during high-volume service. The ideal candidate will manage a station independently, uphold food safety standards, and contribute to training newer team members.

With a strong emphasis on collaboration and guest-centric service, the kitchen operates in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and teamwork are paramount.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional kitchen experience in a high-volume setting.
• Knowledge of professional cooking techniques and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work multiple stations during busy service.
• Strong food safety and sanitation understanding.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Able to stand long hours and lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute menu items according to recipes and presentation standards.
• Maintain a designated station with proper mise en place before service.
• Ensure quality, timing, portioning, and presentation during service.
• Work efficiently during high-volume periods with organization and calm.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and storage standards.
• Label, date, store, and rotate food products.
• Assist with receiving, prep, inventory, and kitchen organization as needed.
• Help train and support newer line cooks and kitchen team members.
• Communicate effectively with culinary and front-of-house during service.
• Support opening, closing, and side-work responsibilities.
• Maintain a clean, organized workstation throughout the shift.
• Step into different stations as needed to support the operation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by kitchen leadership.

Skills

Professional kitchen experience

Cooking techniques

Food safety and sanitation

Station management

Communication and teamwork

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

TMC Hospitality is a hospitality management and development company dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed destinations that bring people together through exceptional experiences, memorable spaces, and genuine hospitality.

Our portfolio includes Drift Hotels, Bode, Maleza Restaurants, and Buttonwood Farm & Winery—each with its own unique identity but united by a commitment to design, culture, and community. From boutique hotels and destination restaurants to vineyards and event venues, we create places that inspire connection and celebrate a sense of place.

At Drift, we blend minimalist design with authentic local experiences, creating hotels that feel both elevated and approachable. At Bode, we reimagine group travel by combining the comforts of home with the amenities and service of a boutique hotel. Maleza brings together vibrant hospitality, thoughtful cuisine, and community-driven experiences, while Buttonwood offers a distinctive wine country destination rooted in agriculture, events, and hospitality.

With properties in California, Tennessee, and Baja California Sur, TMC Hospitality continues to grow while remaining focused on one core belief: hospitality should feel personal, intentional, and unforgettable.

If you're passionate about creating exceptional guest experiences and want to be part of a team that values collaboration, creativity, and continuous growth, we'd love to meet you.

About the role

The Senior Line Cook is an experienced culinary team member responsible for preparing and executing food to the restaurant's standards of quality, consistency, presentation, and timing. This role works closely with the culinary leadership team to maintain an organized, efficient, and positive kitchen environment.

The ideal candidate is confident working independently on a station, understands professional kitchen standards, and takes pride in delivering consistently excellent food during high-volume service.

What you'll do

• Prepare and execute menu items according to recipes, specifications, and presentation standards.
• Maintain a designated station and ensure proper mise en place is completed before service.
• Consistently execute food with attention to quality, timing, portioning, and presentation.
• Work efficiently during high-volume service while maintaining composure and organization.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, storage, and cleanliness standards.
• Monitor product levels and communicate prep or inventory needs to culinary leadership.
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products.
• Assist with receiving, prep, inventory, and kitchen organization as needed.
• Help train and support newer line cooks and kitchen team members.
• Communicate effectively with the culinary team and front-of-house during service.
• Support opening, closing, and side-work responsibilities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workstation throughout the shift.
• Step into different stations as needed to support the overall operation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by kitchen leadership.

What we're looking for

• 2+ years of professional kitchen experience , preferably in a high-volume restaurant, hotel, or similar hospitality environment.
• Strong knowledge of professional cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to confidently work multiple stations and execute consistently during busy service.
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to read and follow recipes and standardized preparation procedures.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, organized, and able to manage time effectively.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to help develop and support other team members.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

About Drift Santa Barbara

Drift Santa Barbara is a design-forward boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. The property blends a relaxed California sensibility with thoughtful hospitality, creating an experience that feels local, social, and effortlessly welcoming. The culinary program is an important part of that experience, and our kitchen team plays a key role in bringing the Drift brand to life through quality food, consistency, and genuine hospitality.

We're looking for team members who are excited to be part of a collaborative environment, take pride in their craft, and want to help create memorable experiences for both our guests and our local community.