Sous Chef / Kitchen Operations Lead

MK BRANDS LLC; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 19,207 - 27,355; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Employee discounts

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Job summary

MK BRANDS LLC, located in Glendale, CA, is looking for a Sous Chef / Kitchen Operations Lead to join our dynamic team at Mini Kabob. This role involves not just cooking, but overseeing kitchen operations and developing into a leadership position. You'll work closely with ownership and gain hands-on experience essential for personal and professional growth.

We offer a full-time position with guaranteed pay starting at $25/hour, benefits including 401(k) matching, and opportunities to advance your career in a highly regarded restaurant.

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen leadership experience required.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and solve problems independently.
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations alongside ownership and Chef Armen.
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and execution on every ticket.
• Manage ticket flow and kitchen communication during service.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Inventory management

Service execution

Job description

Mini Kabob | Glendale, CA

We run one of Los Angeles' most recognized restaurants with a small, high‑performing team. Everyone pulls their weight, everyone stays busy, and the work shows.

We're hiring 1 Sous Chef / Kitchen Operations Lead who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and wants to grow into a larger leadership role. This is not just another kitchen job. The right person will work directly alongside ownership and Chef Armen Martirosyan, learn every aspect of the operation, and play a key role in the future growth of the restaurant.

The long‑term goal is simple: develop someone who can run the kitchen at an exceptional level, take ownership of day‑to‑day operations, and grow into a larger leadership position. As responsibility increases, compensation increases as well.

Full‑time. Guaranteed pay. Long‑term opportunity.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discounts
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off

Schedule

• Thursday‑Sunday
• 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• 1 position available

Pay

Guaranteed total earnings: $25‑$30/hour depending on experience and responsibilities.

• Base pay: $16.90/hour
• Tips are pooled and distributed weekly
• If tips don't bring you to your guaranteed rate, we make up the difference
• Starting pay is based on experience, skill level, and ability to contribute from day one
• Strong performers have opportunities for continued pay growth and increased responsibility over time

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations alongside ownership and Chef Armen
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and execution on every ticket
• Run and support all kitchen stations as needed
• Develop and improve kitchen systems, procedures, and SOPs
• Manage inventory, pars, product rotation, and ordering needs
• Coordinate prep production, line readiness, and station organization
• Manage ticket flow and kitchen communication during service
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement solutions
• Support catering production and large‑order execution
• Train, coach, and develop kitchen team members
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards
• Lead by example and help build a positive, accountable kitchen culture

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen leadership experience required
• Experience as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, Lead Line Cook, or similar leadership role preferred
• Strong understanding of kitchen systems, prep management, inventory, and service execution
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and solve problems independently
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Ability to hold high standards while maintaining a positive team environment
• Reliable, punctual, and dependable

Preferred Experience

• High‑volume, systems‑driven operations such as Hillstone, Din Tai Fung, Cheesecake Factory, In‑N‑Out, Raising Cane's, Chick‑fil‑A, CAVA, Sweetgreen, or similar concepts

What We Offer

• Direct mentorship from ownership and Chef Armen Martirosyan
• Clear opportunities for increased leadership responsibility
• Compensation growth tied to performance and contribution
• Opportunity to help shape and improve a nationally recognized restaurant
• Small team environment where your work is noticed
• Long‑term stability with room to grow
• Opportunity to build a career, not just work another kitchen job

We move quickly for the right candidates and look forward to hearing from you.