Team Lead Kitchen

Zinc Cafe & Bar - Laguna Beach; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Friendly work environment

Paid time off

Competitive wages plus tips

Product discounts

Health, dental, & vision coverage

Holiday premium

401k matching

Job summary

Zinc Café & Market in Laguna Beach is seeking a Kitchen Team Leader to oversee daily kitchen operations, direct a busy team, and ensure timely, high‑quality food service. You will collaborate with the Kitchen Manager to maintain smooth service and consistency.

We value teamwork, clear communication, and a hands‑on approach. Applicants should have 2+ years as a line cook, English proficiency, and a food handler certification. Join a friendly, fast‑paced environment with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a line cook role at a casual restaurant or similar.
• Proficiency in English; reading tickets on a screen.
• Food handlers certification.
• Ability to lead and train staff.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of the kitchen and ensure consistent execution of food and timely flow of service by directing the team.
• Ensure staff are compliant with proper time clock practices (including breaks) as well as in the proper uniform.
• Manage and oversee direct reports.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all positions you oversee and cover each as needed.
• Display knowledge of all ingredients and preparation used on the menu.
• Assist the Kitchen Manager with projects and administrative tasks.
• Uphold health, safety and sanitation guidelines and coach staff.
• Ensure kitchen stations are stocked, clean and organized and perform line checks.
• Collaborate with and support fellow team members and communicate with kitchen/front of house.

Skills

Team player

Positive attitude

Communication skills

Attention to detail

English proficiency

Education

2+ years line cook experience

Job description

Description

Zinc is a restaurant and market that provides our employees and customers a sense of place. Anyone who walks through the doors can recharge, connect with one another and to the community in which they live. Everything we do at Zinc is done with this in mind: Simple ingredients for a good life.

Our Team Leaders support our Kitchen Managers in driving daily operations of our kitchens in delivering great food to all of our guests. They must work well within a team, thrive in a busy environment, while constantly striving to make every guest feel at home.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the daily operations of the kitchen and ensure consistent execution of food and timely flow of service by directing the team
• Ensure staff are compliant with proper time clock practices (including breaks) as well as in the proper uniform
• Manage and oversee direct reports
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of all positions that you oversee and maintain the ability to cover each position as needed
• Display working knowledge of all ingredients and preparation used on the menu
• Assist the Kitchen Manager with projects and administrative tasks
• Uphold health, safety and sanitation guidelines through leading by example as well as coaching and correcting staff
• Ensure all kitchen stations are fully stocked, clean and organized and perform kitchen line checks to ensure all food that is served meets company quality and safety standards
• Collaborate with and support fellow team members
• Communicate effectively with the kitchen and front of house teams and embody an environment of teamwork
• Handle varying levels of business volume with composure & a positive attitude and support team members so they can do the same
• Ensure the team completes all opening and closing duties and assist with duties as needed
• Follow all safety and state guidelines for preventing transmission of Covid-19 and other illnesses

Benefits:

• A friendly, fun, positive work environment
• Paid time off
• Competitive wages plus tips; minimum starting wage dependent on location worked
• Discounts on Zinc products, food & beverages
• Medical, Dental, & Vision plan options available for part time and full time Team Members
• Holiday Premium: hourly employees who work on an observed holiday will be paid 1.5x their hourly wage
• 401k, company matched contribution

Job Qualifications:

• A team player with a positive attitude
• Quick and flexible learner
• Communication and collaboration skills
• 2+ years in a line cook position at a casual restaurant or similar experience, supervisory experience is a plus
• Attention to detail
• -Proficient knowledge of food, cooking and kitchen equipment
• Proficiency in English is preferred, must be able to read tickets on a screen
• Food handlers certification

Work Context:

• Working with hot foods and beverages
• Walking and standing for long periods of time
• Tasks will be performed using and in the proximity of coolers, stoves, and other hot equipment
• The employee may frequently be required to stoop, kneel, and crouch for duration of shift (eight hours or longer)
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move and/or push up to 50 pounds without assistance
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in a typical office and restaurant environment
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Zinc Café & Market is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Zinc Café & Market makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.