Kitchen Leader - Penn Quarter, Washington DC

SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Complimentary meal during each shift

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid vacation

Parental leave

Job summary

SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen, based in Washington, DC, is seeking a hands-on Kitchen Leader to manage daily kitchen operations, lead production from scratch, and mentor Sous Chefs. You’ll plan daily prep, keep inventory in check, and collaborate with front-of-house to ensure smooth service.

The role requires strong leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to our fresh, from-scratch standards. This is a full-time, on-site position with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a busy kitchen and producing from scratch.
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of common equipment.
• Enjoys training, supporting, and guiding team members.
• Ability to keep the kitchen organized during peak times.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team in preparing sauces, marinades, and proteins from scratch.
• Plan daily prep to ensure fresh, appropriately stocked ingredients.
• Train and support Sous Chefs to maintain high standards.
• Track inventory, deliveries, labeling, storage, and FIFO.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen and coordinate with front-of-house.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food preparation from scratch

Training & mentoring

Communication

Tools

Knife skills

Kitchen equipment familiarity

Job description

SeoulSpice serves delicious Korean food made from scratch with love. Inspired by traditional family recipes, our food is prepared by hand using house-marinated meats, fresh produce, and bold sauces and toppings. We're committed to improving the lives of our team members and the communities we serve. At SeoulSpice, you'll join a supportive, high-energy team where your work matters and there are real opportunities to learn, grow, and advance into leadership. If you share our five core values of Vibrancy, Respect, Dedication, Teamwork, and Growth, we'd love to meet you.

Your Role at SeoulSpice

The Kitchen Leader is responsible for managing the restaurant's kitchen operations and ensuring our produce, sauces, and proteins are prepared from scratch according to SeoulSpice recipes and standards. You'll lead daily production, organize the kitchen, and develop Sous Chefs who can execute at a high level. By planning the right amount at the right time, you'll keep the restaurant stocked with fresh, high-quality food.

Your Responsibilities will include:

• Lead the team in preparing our produce, sauces, marinades, and proteins from scratch
• Plan daily prep so the restaurant always has enough fresh food without making too much
• Train and support Sous Chefs while keeping the kitchen organized and running smoothly
• Keep track of inventory, deliveries, labeling, storage, and FIFO rotation
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen and communicate with the front-line team to keep service flowing

What You'll Bring to the Team

We're looking for a hands-on kitchen leader who:

• Has experience working in a busy kitchen and preparing food from scratch
• Basic knife skills and familiarity with common kitchen equipment
• Enjoys training, supporting, and working alongside other team members
• Can keep the kitchen organized and running smoothly during busy shifts
• Communicates clearly, solves problems, and treats everyone with respect
• Is dependable, positive, and connects with our values of Vibrancy, Respect, Dedication, Teamwork, and Growth

Benefits of Joining SeoulSpice

• Competitive hourly pay, paid weekly
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• A complimentary meal during each shift
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible team members*
• Paid vacation*
• Parental leave*
• Hands-on training and opportunities to learn every restaurant station
• A clear fast-track to Kitchen Leader or General Manager positions*Benefits vary by position, location, hours worked, and eligibility

What the Job Requires

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. This position requires availability based on the restaurant's needs, which may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. This is an active, hands-on leadership position. Shift Leaders must be able to perform the essential duties of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation. These duties may include:

• Remaining on your feet and moving throughout the restaurant for most of the shift
• Regularly lifting and carrying 5–25 pounds and occasionally handling 40–50 pounds
• Reaching overhead and bending or squatting to access ingredients, supplies, and equipment
• Pushing, pulling, and moving supplies or restaurant equipment
• Safely handling knives, thermometers, kitchen equipment, cleaning tools, and POS systems
• Moving through stairs, doorways, ramps, elevators, and compact work areas
• Staying focused, coordinated, and productive during busy service periods

Equal Opportunity Employer

SeoulSpice is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.