Lead Line Cook / Sous Chef — High-Volume Kitchen Leader

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East is seeking a Lead Line Cook/Manager in Groveland, FL to oversee daily kitchen operations and lead a busy line during high-volume service. This hands-on leadership role requires directing staff, maintaining quality, and ensuring smooth service while upholding safety standards.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in a fast-paced kitchen, strong leadership, and the ability to motivate a team to consistently deliver excellent guest experiences.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of high-volume restaurant kitchen experience.
• Experience as Line Cook, Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, or Kitchen Manager.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing kitchen staff.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
• Ability to remain calm and organized under pressure.
• Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead by example and hold team members accountable.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the second-in-command in the kitchen, supporting the Executive Chef/Kitchen Manager.
• Lead, coach, and develop line cooks and prep staff.
• Assign tasks and ensure proper execution during each shift.
• Monitor food quality, consistency, presentation, and portion control.
• Maintain kitchen standards, organization, and efficiency.
• Assist with scheduling, training, and onboarding kitchen staff.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Manage ticket flow and coordinate kitchen operations during peak service times.
• Step into any station as needed to support the team and maintain service levels.
• Help oversee inventory, ordering, and product rotation.
• Maintain a professional, positive, and accountable kitchen culture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food safety

Sanitation

Kitchen operations

Conflict resolution

Accountability

Leading by example

Staying calm under pressure

Job description

Express Employment Professionals - Cincinnati East is seeking a Lead Line Cook/Manager in Groveland, FL to oversee daily kitchen operations and lead a busy line during high-volume service. This hands-on leadership role requires directing staff, maintaining quality, and ensuring smooth service while upholding safety standards.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in a fast-paced kitchen, strong leadership, and the ability to motivate a team to consistently deliver excellent guest experiences.