Sous Chef - Lalla Grill Oceanside

Moncada Group; Cannery Row (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2 weeks' paid vacation

50% employee meal discount

Shift meals and drinks provided

Growth opportunities at Lalla Grill or

sister restaurants

Job summary

Lalla Grill is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen in Monterey, CA. You will lead during service, mentor cooks, and ensure top quality from prep to plate.

The ideal candidate has culinary training (preferred), 5+ years in the kitchen, and strong leadership under pressure. This role offers growth within Lalla Grill and its sister restaurants.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional kitchen experience.
• Formal culinary training is preferred.
• Must be fluent in Spanish; English proficiency preferred.
• Excellent cooking, time management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks at once.

Responsibilities

• Oversee culinary & kitchen operations.
• Collaborate with Head Chef to lead kitchen operations.
• Direct and assist with food prep and execution during service.
• Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Learn and step into any kitchen station as needed.
• Ensure food safety and cleanliness standards are consistently followed.
• Keep stations clean and maintain kitchen equipment.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff during service.
• Communicate clearly with FOH on orders, dietary needs, and timing.
• Coordinate with managers for large parties, takeout, and catering orders.
• Help train and mentor new cooks on techniques, recipes, and procedures.
• Support a respectful and team-oriented kitchen culture.
• Manage inventory and minimize food waste.
• Receive deliveries and communicate with delivery drivers.
• Lead by example in maintaining high kitchen standards.

Skills

Leadership

Time management

High-volume cooking

Pressure handling

Education

High school diploma

Culinary training (preferred)

Job description

Sous Chef Position

Location: Lalla Grill Oceanside, Monterey, CA.

Job Type: Full-Time.

Expected Hours: 50-55 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates who do not meet the minimum will NOT be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen experience.
• Prior experience as a cook or sous chef in a high-volume restaurant. High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Formal culinary training is preferred.
• Must be fluent in Spanish; English proficiency preferred.
• Excellent cooking, time management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks at once.
• Food Manager Certification must be completed shortly after hiring.

Who Are You:

You’re a hands-on kitchen leader with a passion for food, teamwork, and high standards. You thrive in fast-paced environments, communicate clearly under pressure, and lead by example. You enjoy mentoring team members, solving problems in real time, and ensuring consistent quality and service from prep to plate.

Join the Team at Lalla Grill:

Lalla Grill is a fun and vibrant local restaurant known for its fast-paced environment and freshly made, in-house food prepared from scratch. We stay busy with large party events, takeout, and dine-in service—always focusing on quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction. We are looking for a reliable and experienced Sous Chef to support our Head Chef in managing this busy, high-volume kitchen. This hands-on leadership role is perfect for someone with strong cooking skills, solid kitchen experience, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Whether you’re a current Sous Chef or a seasoned cook ready to step up, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Culinary & Kitchen Operations.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to lead kitchen operations.
• Direct and assist with food prep and execution during service.
• Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Learn and step into any kitchen station as needed.
• Ensure food safety and cleanliness standards are consistently followed.
• Keep stations clean and maintain kitchen equipment.
• Team & Communication.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff during service.
• Communicate clearly with FOH on orders, dietary needs, and timing.
• Coordinate with managers for large parties, takeout, and catering orders.
• Help train and mentor new cooks on techniques, recipes, and procedures.
• Support a respectful and team-oriented kitchen culture.
• Inventory & Supply Chain.
• Assist with ordering from Sysco and other vendors.
• Manage inventory and minimize food waste.
• Receive deliveries and communicate with delivery drivers.
• Leadership & Problem Solving.
• Stay calm under pressure and help the team stay focused during peak times.
• Offer creative ideas and improvements for kitchen operations.
• Lead by example in maintaining high kitchen standards.

Schedule:

• 10–12-hour shifts.
• Day and night shifts are required.
• Weekends and holidays required.

Perks & Benefits:

• 2 weeks' paid vacation.
• 50% employee meal discount.
• Shift meals and drinks provided.
• Opportunity for growth at Lalla Grill or sister restaurants.