Kitchen Lead

Maine Beer Company; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental/vision

Paid vacation

401(k)

Job summary

Maine Beer Company is seeking a Kitchen Shift Lead to support the Head Chef and Sous Chef in day-to-day kitchen operations. This role serves as the primary contact during absences, ensuring smooth service through leadership, training, and adherence to recipes and procedures.

The position offers full-time employment with competitive benefits and a pay range of $24.00-$26.00 per hour. Weekend availability is required; prior kitchen leadership experience is preferred, and training is available for

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional kitchen or food preparation is required.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.
• Willingness to train and develop staff while upholding standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen team during each shift.
• Ensure food is prepared and plated to standards.
• Train and onboard new staff with ongoing coaching.
• Maintain quality, cleanliness, and safety in service.
• Communicate feedback to Head Chef or Sous Chef.
• Open/close kitchen according to procedures.
• Coordinate with Tasting Room staff for smooth service.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Training

Shift Mgmt

Positive attitude

Job description

Description

The Kitchen Shift Lead supports the Head Chef and Sous Chef in the day-to-day operation of the kitchen. This role serves as the primary point of contact during the absence of the Head Chef or Sous Chef and helps ensure smooth kitchen operations through leadership, training, quality control, and adherence to established procedures. The Kitchen Shift Lead reports directly to the Head Chef and Sous Chef.

Maine Beer Company's full-time benefits package includes fully paid health insurance, company-sponsored dental and vision insurance, at least three weeks of paid vacation, employer-paid disability and life insurance, employer-paid Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (ME PFML), employer 401(k) contributions regardless of employee participation, and more. The approximate pay range for this position is $24.00-$26.00/hr. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Foster a positive work environment by modeling and promoting Maine Beer Company's core values
• Provide leadership, direction, and support to kitchen team members during each shift.
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked, and plated to established quality and presentation standards.
• Serve as the primary communication link between the kitchen and the Tasting Room staff.
• Train and onboard new employees while providing ongoing coaching and development for existing team members.
• Assist with ordering food, beverages, and kitchen supplies as needed.
• Open and close the kitchen according to established procedures.
• Monitor food quality, cleanliness, and operational standards throughout each shift.
• Communicate employee performance, concerns, and operational feedback to the Head Chef or Sous Chef.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a professional kitchen or food preparation role required.
• Prior leadership or personnel management experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and contribute to a collaborative work environment.
• Availability to work weekends and other shifts as needed.
• Ability to remain on your feet for the duration of a shift.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Experience with pizza and wood-fired cooking is a plus, but we are willing to train the right candidate.