Lead Line Chef

The Easterly [St. Thomas]; Charlotte Amalie (United States Virgin Islands); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Easterly in St. Thomas is seeking a Lead Line Chef to drive line execution, uphold quality, and mentor a growing kitchen team. This role connects line staff with chef leadership to deliver consistently excellent, wood-fired Caribbean cuisine in a vibrant waterfront setting.

You will own prep, station setup, and line hygiene while coordinating with the Sous Chef to pace tickets and maintain high standards during rushes. English fluency preferred; Spanish helpful.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of related experience required.
• General knife handling, food safety & sanitation knowledge.
• English and Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Execute menu specs flawlessly with culinary pride, ensuring every dish leaving the line is flavorful, beautiful, and consistent with Chefs' exact standards.
• Knowledge of seasonal product trends, local ingredients, and vendor relations.
• Ability to positively lead and inspire the Line Cooks.
• Move with speed and precision without ever compromising on quality, portioning, or plate appeal.
• Own your prep, mise en place, and station setup so your line is fully dialed and ready for seamless service execution.
• Partner with kitchen leadership to maintain precise recipe books, portion specs, and ingredient consistency.
• Work alongside the Sous Chef in pacing tickets, orchestrating line flow, and keeping service running smoothly.
• Pitch in when delivery trucks arrive—unload, organize, and stock supplies where they need to go.
• Monitor food safety and cleanliness standards to ensure a safe, compliant kitchen.
• Run airtight operational systems to guarantee an immaculate, "A-Grade" health inspection environment. Maintain appropriate cleaning schedules for all areas in the kitchen.
• Take charge of key operational needs—including opening up the kitchen, closing down service, and making sure the line ends spotless.
• Inspire a high-performing kitchen team ensuring seamless timing, incredible food execution, and high standards during every rush.
• Mentor with empathy and hospitality, building clear pathways for staff growth and promotion.
• Set the tone for a collaborative environment with clear, open communication between all restaurant staff.
• Keep the Chef and Manager on Duty in the loop on all things kitchen related.
• Be a culture builder—bring positive energy, authenticity, reliability, and pride in how you show up every day.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

High-volume kitchen experience

Mentorship

Job description

THE EASTERLY [ST. THOMAS] – LEAD LINE CHEF

THE ATMOSPHERE

The Easterly St. Thomas is a waterfront dining oasis offering innovative craft cocktails and wood-fired cuisine representative of the rustic Caribbean. The menu is ocean-to-table focused and utilizes locally grown produce and local flavors to complementthe dishes. The Easterly offers one of the Virgin Island’s most robust beverage programs with unique handcrafted cocktails, twists on Caribbean favorites, and an extensive list of craft beers & wine. Tucked away in an oasis of palm trees and rich greenery, the restaurant exudes a Bohemian-island vibe, and offers a social, vibrant and interactive dining experience.

THE IDEAL MATCH

The ideal candidate is a dependable, detailed-driven cook ready to step up into a key line leadership role. You remain composed under pressure, possess a strong work ethic, and take genuine pride in guiding and supporting your teammates to build a strong, cohesive kitchen environment. The Lead Line Cook is responsible for delivering exceptional, consistent menu items while serving as a daily operational bridge between line staff and chef leadership. In addition to mastering meal execution, you assist with essential BOH duties—including station setup, line hygiene, portion control, and shift readiness. Bring your passion, positive energy, and adaptability to a kitchen that values growth, team retention, and culinary excellence.

BALANCED HOSPITALITY

The Easterly brings a fresh, vibrant take on coastal Caribbean dining—where tropical, bohemian vibes meet elevated experiences. This concept is not just a restaurant – but a destination that blends music, sunshine, innovation, and top-tier hospitality into unforgettable moments. We’re laid-back but dialed-in. Professional but never stuffy. Every guest is welcomed like family—and we take that seriously.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Execute menu specs flawlessly with culinary pride, ensuring every dish leaving the line is flavorful, beautiful, and consistent with Chefs' exact standards.
• Knowledge of seasonal product trends, local ingredients, and vendor relations.
• Ability to positively lead and inspire the Line Cooks.
• Move with speed and precision without ever compromising on quality, portioning, or plate appeal.
• Own your prep, mise en place, and station setup so your line is fully dialed and ready for seamless service execution.
• Partner with kitchen leadership to maintain precise recipe books, portion specs, and ingredient consistency.
• Work alongside the Sous Chef in pacing tickets, orchestrating line flow, and keeping service running smoothly.
• Pitch in when delivery trucks arrive—unload, organize, and stock supplies where they need to go.
• Monitor food safety and cleanliness standards to ensure a safe, compliant kitchen.
• Run airtight operational systems to guarantee an immaculate, "A-Grade" health inspection environment. Maintain appropriate cleaning schedules for all areas in the kitchen.
• Take charge of key operational needs—including opening up the kitchen, closing down service, and making sure the line ends spotless.
• Inspire a high-performing kitchen team ensuring seamless timing, incredible food execution, and high standards during every rush.
• Mentor with empathy and hospitality, building clear pathways for staff growth and promotion.
• Set the tone for a collaborative environment with clear, open communication between all restaurant staff.
• Keep the Chef and Manager on Duty in the loop on all things kitchen related.
• Be a culture builder—bring positive energy, authenticity, reliability, and pride in how you show up every day.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• At least 1 year of related experience required.
• General knife handling, food safety & sanitation knowledge.
• High volume restaurant experience required.
• A passion for food, exceptional work ethics, and dedication.
• Attention to details of food quality, preparation, and presentation.
• Flexible and adaptive to rapidly changing priorities and work demands.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time.
• Able to take constructive criticism, learn quickly, demonstrate leadership, and constantly improve.
• Promote, work, and act in a manner consistent with the mission of Ballast Hospitality, always setting a professional example.
• English and Spanish fluency is preferred but not required.

OUR DNA

At our core, we live by values that shape every interaction, decision, and experience. We offer competitive pay and a culture that values growth. From day one, we’re committed to your personal and professional development through hands‑on experience, ongoing training, and clear opportunities to advance. At Ballast Hospitality, when you grow, we grow.

• Integrity is everything. Without it, nothing else matters. We lead with honesty, accountability, and trust. Always doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching.
• We invest in growth. Continuous training and development aren’t extras; they’re essential to our shared success. We see ongoing learning and development as an investment, not just in our team, but in our future.
• Creativity drives innovation. Innovation starts with imagination. We embrace fresh ideas and bold thinking to stay ahead and stand out.
• Happy teams serve better. A happy, supported, and professional team creates the kind of guest experience that sets us apart and empowers us to deliver exceptional experiences.
• We deliver legendary service. The kind of personalized care that turns moments into memories, experiences guests can’t forget, and rave about long after they leave.
• Work hard, stay sharp, and have fun. We bring passion and professionalism to everything we do while keeping it light, positive, and full of energy. Excellence and enjoyment go hand‑in‑hand.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER | COME AS YOU ARE

At The Easterly, we believe great hospitality starts with great people, and that means all people. We don’t care what you look like, where you’re from, who you love, or how you identify. If you have good energy and a passion for making people feel welcome, you’ve got a spot on our team. No judgment. No discrimination. Just good vibes and equal opportunity for all.

READY TO SET THE VIBE?

If you’re a passionate hospitality-driven leader with a creative eye and ready to help shape the experience at one of St. Thomas’s most exciting destinations— this is your moment.

Join Ballast Hospitality in creating standout dining experiences that celebrate sunshine, culture, and connection— one guest at a time. We look forward to meeting you!