Kitchen Lead: Inspire a High-Impact Kitchen Team

Farandas Banquet Hall; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus plan eligibility

IRA retirement plan (company-matched)

Complimentary shift meals

Growth opportunities and advancement

Year-round, consistent work across ops

Job summary

Lincoln Inn is seeking a Kitchen Lead to oversee daily kitchen operations across restaurant service, catering, and banquet events. You will lead line cooks, event cooks, and bakery staff, ensuring food is prepared safely, on time, and to high standards while maintaining an organized kitchen environment.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who develops people, takes pride in quality work, and thrives in a fast-paced hospitality setting.

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen leadership, lead cook, sous chef, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Food handlers Certification or food manager certification is required.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing demands.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and special events as needed.
• Catering or banquet experience is a plus.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and hold accountable line cooks, event cooks, and bakery staff.
• Set daily priorities and ensure team members understand production goals.
• Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
• Assist with training and development of kitchen staff.
• Lead by example through strong work ethic, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Oversee all food production for restaurant service, catering, and banquet events.
• Ensure food is prepared according to recipes, quality standards, and production schedules.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, consistency, and portion control.
• Work alongside the team during service and production periods to ensure successful execution.
• Forecast production needs and communicate ordering requirements to BOH Operations Manager.
• Regularly evaluate inventory levels and identify items that need replenishment.
• Help ensure the kitchen is prepared for upcoming events and service demands.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ensure all team members follow proper food handling procedures.
• Monitor storage, labeling, rotation, and temperature controls.

Skills

Leadership experience

Food safety certification

Team motivation

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Catering/banquet experience

Bilingual: English/Spanish

Job description

Lincoln Inn is seeking a Kitchen Lead to oversee daily kitchen operations across restaurant service, catering, and banquet events. You will lead line cooks, event cooks, and bakery staff, ensuring food is prepared safely, on time, and to high standards while maintaining an organized kitchen environment.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who develops people, takes pride in quality work, and thrives in a fast-paced hospitality setting.