Lead Line Cook - Gjusta LA

About the role

The Lead Line Cook is a senior hourly kitchen position responsible for executing food preparation and service at the highest level while providing day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to the line cook team. This role acts as a bridge between the Sous Chefs and line cooks, helping to ensure standards, systems, and expectations are consistently followed on shift.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute menu items according to approved recipes, portioning, and presentation standards.
• Bake, grill, steam, boil, and otherwise cook meats, vegetables, fish, poultry, and other foods.
• Ensure all ingredients and finished products meet freshness and quality expectations.
• Plate, garnish, and present dishes to company standards.
• Accommodate reasonable guest requests within established guidelines.
• Operate and properly maintain kitchen equipment (ovens, grills, fryers, mixers, etc.).
• Serve as a lead point of support on assigned shifts, helping to guide pacing, priorities, and station readiness.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures, ensuring stations are properly set up and broken down.
• Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Support quality checks, food temperatures, and sanitation compliance throughout service.
• Help ensure prep lists are followed and service readiness is maintained.
• Assist in training new hires and cross-training team members using approved procedures.
• Reinforce recipes, standards, and systems established by the chef team.
• Provide real-time coaching and guidance during service as needed.
• Model strong time management, organization, and communication skills.
• Act with honesty, integrity, and leadership aligned with company values.
• Communicate issues, shortages, or concerns promptly to chefs or managers.
• Support other kitchen stations and departments as business needs require.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of professional cooking experience
• Strong foundational cooking and baking skills
• Solid knife skills and understanding of kitchen safety
• Ability to train, coach, and support peers
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure
• Food Handler Certification (Food Handling & Sanitation Awareness)
• Knowledge of Department of Health food service regulations
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays