Kitchen Lead - Italian Cuisine - Parma

Crucial Link; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid time off

Staff meals or dining discounts

Training and growth opportunities

Collaborative team culture

Job summary

Crucial Link in Parma, OH is seeking an Experienced Kitchen Lead focused on Italian cuisine. You will guide daily operations, prepare Italian dishes, and ensure quality, pace, and teamwork during busy services.

The role requires hands-on cooking skill, leadership to mentor staff, and a commitment to food safety and exceptional guest experience. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Professional cooking experience; experience with Italian cuisine strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with pasta preparation, sauces, and Italian cooking techniques.
• Previous kitchen leadership or experience training and mentoring others preferred.
• Strong organization, timing, and communication skills.
• The ability to motivate a team and hold yourself and others accountable.
• A calm, collaborative approach to busy shifts and everyday challenges.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Availability for required shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform essential kitchen duties, with reasonable accommodation as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations, including prep, cooking, service, and closing.
• Prepare Italian dishes with care, maintaining consistent flavor, presentation, and portion standards.
• Coordinate stations and assignments to keep service organized and efficient.
• Train and coach team members on recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchen procedures.
• Keep the team connected through respectful communication, clear expectations, and fair conflict resolution.
• Stay calm under pressure and step in wherever support is needed.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and an organized workspace.
• Monitor inventory, communicate ordering needs, and help reduce food waste.
• Work closely with management and front-of-house staff to delivera greatguest experience.

Skills

Professional cooking experience

Italian cuisine

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Communication skills

Team motivation

Time management

Weekend availability

Job description

Crucial Link is hiring in Parma, OH 44134 for an Experienced Kitchen Lead - Primarily Italian Cuisine

Location: Parma, OH 44134

Job Type: Fulltime

Compensation: Salary - $45,000-$55,000/yr - depending on experience, skills, and abilities.

We're looking for a Kitchen Lead who is passionate about Italian cooking and knows how to bring a team together. You'll lead by example, prepare food you're proud to serve, and create a kitchen where people communicate clearly, support one another, and work well through busy service. This is a hands-on role for a skilled cook who brings patience, accountability, and a genuine interest in helping others succeed.

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily kitchen operations, including prep, cooking, service, and closing.
• Prepare Italian dishes with care, maintaining consistent flavor, presentation, and portion standards.
• Coordinate stations and assignments to keep service organized and efficient.
• Train and coach team members on recipes, cooking techniques, and kitchen procedures.
• Keep the team connected through respectful communication, clear expectations, and fair conflict resolution.
• Stay calm under pressure and step in wherever support is needed.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and an organized workspace.
• Monitor inventory, communicate ordering needs, and help reduce food waste.
• Work closely with management and front-of-house staff to delivera greatguest experience.

What You Bring

• Professional cooking experience; experience with Italian cuisine strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with pasta preparation, sauces, and Italian cooking techniques.
• Previous kitchen leadership or experience training and mentoring others preferred.
• Strong organization, timing, and communication skills.
• The ability to motivate a team and hold yourself and others accountable.
• A calm, collaborative approach to busy shifts and everyday challenges.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Availability for required shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to perform essential kitchen duties, with reasonable accommodation as needed.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Paid time off
• Staff meals or dining discounts
• Training and opportunities for growth
• A team that values good food, mutual respect, and working together.