Lead Line Cook & Kitchen Manager

Alma; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Alma in California is seeking a Kitchen Manager/Lead Line Cook to oversee back-of-house operations, execute the menu, mentor staff, and ensure consistent quality across dine-in, takeout, and catering. You will lead by example, manage prep, ordering, and inventory, and support menu development with the Executive Chef.

This role demands a hands-on leader who protects standards while delivering the warm, personal touch our cafe is known for.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of supervisory experience in a cafe, restaurant, or kitchen environment.
• Genuine passion for great food, seasonal produce, and local sourcing.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to coach and give feedback clearly.
• Proactive, reliable leader who stays composed during busy shifts.
• Proficiency with Toast POS and Google Workspace for daily reporting, ordering, and inventory.

Responsibilities

• Lead back-of-house operations, ensuring timely, high-quality execution across dine-in, takeout, and catering.
• Oversee prep, plating, portioning, and line management to maintain standardization and efficiency.
• Mentor and train BOH staff; support onboarding and performance management.
• Maintain cleanliness, food safety, inventory, and logs; enforce SOPs and recipe adherence.
• Collaborate with GM/Executive Chef to develop menu items and improve operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Guest service

Team mentoring

Seasonal sourcing

Education

ServSafe Manager certification

Tools

Toast POS

Google Workspace

Job description

Alma in California is seeking a Kitchen Manager/Lead Line Cook to oversee back-of-house operations, execute the menu, mentor staff, and ensure consistent quality across dine-in, takeout, and catering. You will lead by example, manage prep, ordering, and inventory, and support menu development with the Executive Chef.

This role demands a hands-on leader who protects standards while delivering the warm, personal touch our cafe is known for.