Lead Line Cook

Lead Line Cook – Opening Team | Salina

Salina is seeking a Lead Line Cook to join the opening kitchen team and help establish the standards, rhythm, and discipline of the line from day one. This is a chef-driven kitchen focused on classic Italian technique, handmade pastas, pizza, live-fire cooking, and high-quality imported and seasonal ingredients.

The Lead Line Cook will work closely with the Chef and Sous Chef to maintain execution, guide the line during service, and help mentor junior cooks. This role is for someone who takes pride in craft, organization, and consistency, and who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen.

Role & Leadership Expectations

The Lead Line Cook is responsible not only for their station, but for helping maintain the pace, standards, and culture of the line.

• Set the standard for organization, cleanliness, and execution during prep and service
• Assist the chef team in maintaining discipline and communication across the line
• Support and guide line cooks and prep cooks during service
• Help train new team members on station setup, recipes, and service standards
• Maintain a calm, professional presence during high-volume service
• Communicate clearly with the expo and chef team to ensure smooth ticket flow
• Identify issues before they affect service (prep shortages, station readiness, timing)

Culinary Responsibilities

• Execute pasta, proteins, vegetables, and pizzas according to recipe and plating standards
• Maintain precise timing when firing pasta with proteins and shared entrées
• Operate pizza ovens (deck, stone, or wood-fired) for consistent pizza production
• Support production of sauces, stocks, braises, and other Italian fundamentals
• Maintain high standards for seasoning, plating, and portion control
• Ensure proper prep lists, labeling, rotation, and storage are followed
• Uphold sanitation, temperature control, and food safety standards
• Assist in cross-support between sauté, grill, and pizza stations when needed

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years professional line cook experience in a quality-driven kitchen
• Experience with Italian or Mediterranean cuisine strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of pasta cookery, protein temperatures, and oven management
• Ability to lead by example while working efficiently during high-volume service
• Strong knife skills, product handling, and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain composure and organization under pressure
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Experience

• Pizza dough handling, stretching, or pizza oven experience
• Familiarity with traditional Italian ingredients such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, pecorino, guanciale, and San Marzano tomatoes
• Experience working multiple stations, including grill, sauté, and pasta

Opening Team Expectations

As part of the opening team, the Lead Line Cook will help shape the foundation of the kitchen.

• Strong commitment to training, standards, and systems from day one
• Reliable attendance and leadership presence during opening weeks
• Pride in maintaining a clean, disciplined kitchen
• Desire to grow with the restaurant and contribute to a strong culinary culture