Sous Chef - Lalla Grill Oceanside

Lalla Grill; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Meal discount

Shift meals

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Lalla Grill is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to join our busy, high-volume kitchen in Monterey, CA. You will support the Head Chef, lead prep and service, and mentor cooks while maintaining quality and guest satisfaction.

This full-time role requires 50–55 hours per week, day and night shifts, weekends and holidays. Fluency in Spanish is required, English preferred. Two weeks of paid vacation and a strong growth path are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen experience.
• Must be fluent in Spanish; English proficiency preferred.
• Food Manager Certification must be completed shortly after hiring.
• Prior experience as a cook or sous chef in a high-volume restaurant.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Formal culinary training is preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Team & communication: supervise and support kitchen staff during service.
• Coordinate with managers for large parties, takeout, and catering orders.
• Help train and mentor new cooks on techniques, recipes, and procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Cooking

Time management

Teamwork

Communication

Work under pressure

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma

Culinary training

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.