Lead Line Cook

Rustic Canyon Family; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the culinary industry is seeking an enthusiastic Lead Line Cook to join their team. This role involves crafting high-quality Italian dishes, leading kitchen staff, and ensuring exceptional food preparation. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership and cooking skills, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and be committed to quality and teamwork.

Benefits

Competitive Hourly Rate

Fully covered Healthcare

401(k) savings program

Employee dining discounts

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Line Cook or similar role in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently without compromising quality.

Responsibilities

• Cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups, and other hot food products.
• Mentor and assist other line cooks in maintaining standards.
• Ensure proper execution of dishes and maintain food quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Attention to Detail

Education

California Food Handler’s card

Job description

Milo & Olive is looking for an enthusiastic Lead Line Cook to bring their passion forItalian food and pizza to our dedicated team! If you thrive in a hands-on, fast-paced environment and take pride in crafting high-quality, naturally leavened breads, we want to hear from you. Our ideal candidate is a skilledline cook with experience in saute, pantry, wood fire cooking, pizzas, and general cooking, as well as leading a team with positivity and precision. Join us in creating exceptionalmeals that bring joy to our community every day!

This neighborhood bakery and pizzeria debuted in winter 2011, and it’s also the bread-baking hub for our group. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, pop in early forone of our bagels, croissants, rustic tarts or a fresh loaf of bread to-go. Later in the day, dig into our classic and seasonal wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, farmers’ market vegetable dishes and Italian-inspired proteins by Chef de CuisineSara Woods and team. Don’t forget the Garlic Knot—it’s a local favorite!

About the RC Family

Our guiding principles are the heart of everything we do:

• Serve delicious, thoughtful food using the best local ingredients.
• Create an environment for guests where they feel like they are being taken into our home and cared for.
• Take care of ourselves and each other so we can feel proud about the work that we do.

What We Offer

We believe in supporting our team with comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities:

• CompetitiveHourly Rate based on experience
• Fully covered Healthcare
• 401(k) savings program
• Employee dining discounts
• Professional development opportunities
• A positive, supportive work environment with a passionate team

Lead Line Cook Job Description:

The Lead Line Cook must accurately and efficiently cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups, and other hot food products, as well as prepare and portion food products prior to cooking. Additionally, the role includes final plate preparation, plating, and garnishing of cooked items, and ensuring proper execution of dishes.

The Lead Line Cook is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality and preparation while supporting and mentoring other line cooks. This position requires strong leadership, organization, and communication skills to ensure the kitchen operates smoothly. The Lead Line Cook reports daily to the Chef, Sous Chefs, General Manager (GM), and Assistant General Manager (AGM).

Duties and Responsibilities:

As a Lead Line Cook, your job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the Chef with additional tasks and special projects as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to team success beyond standard responsibilities
• Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables, and other food items for cooking using broilers, ovens, fryers, and other kitchen equipment.
• Works with efficiency and maintains a sense of urgency during preparation and service.
• Assumes 100% responsibility for the quality of products served and immediately reports any food quality or production issues to the Chef, Sous Chefs, GM, or AGM.
• Knows and complies consistently with standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards, and kitchen rules, policies, and procedures.
• Oversees and maintains sufficient levels of food products at line stations to ensure a smooth service period, delegating tasks as necessary.
• Mentors and assists other line cooks in maintaining the chef’s standards and improving their skills.
• Portions food products prior to cooking according to standard portion sizes and recipe specifications.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary workstation area, including tables, shelves, sauté burners, convection oven, flat-top range, and refrigeration equipment.
• Follows proper plate presentation and garnish setup for all dishes, including finishing garnishes, sauces, and proper plating techniques.
• Handles, stores, and rotates all products properly, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
• Sets up and maintains the expo station with necessary tools and supplies, including garnishes, finishing salts, sauces, chilled ice cream bowls, graters, and backup ticket rolls for printers.
• Monitors ticket flow to ensure smooth and efficient communication between the front and back of house, verifying all dishes are prepared to the correct specifications.
• Communicates with the Chef, Sous Chefs, GM, and AGM daily regarding kitchen operations, staffing, and service needs.
• Prepares for in-house events, catering, and large parties by checking event boards to ensure food and support are in place for both special and regular service.
• Assists with food prep assignments during off-peak periods as needed.
• Closes the kitchen properly and ensures the closing checklist for kitchen stations is followed. Assists others in opening/closing the kitchen as needed.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Line Cook or similar role in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently without compromising quality.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to follow and give verbal instructions in English.
• Fundamental understanding of sanitation, cleanliness, and personal hygiene.
• California Food Handler’s card.
• Regular, predictable, and reliable attendance.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate with coworkers and management verbally.
• Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.

Physical Demands:

• Requires moderate physical effort, including standing, carrying, bending, stretching, stooping, pulling, and pushing.
• Lifting of weights up to 50 pounds.
• Requires consistent work in a busy kitchen environment with exposure to noise, heat, temperature changes, and kitchen elements.

Working Conditions:

• Working conditions involve noise, heat, temperature changes, kitchen elements, odors, and moisture.
• May be required to work additional hours as dictated by the workload and staffing.
• Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Uniform Requirements:

• Clean non-slip shoes.
• Clean pants.
• Clean shirt, chef coat, or plain T-shirt with no logos or writing.
• Clean apron (provided).
• Hairnet or hat (no logos or writing unless Rustic Canyon Family branded or representing a partner farm or business).