Head Line Cook

LEAD LINE COOK
Pink Tiger | The Wharf, Washington, DC

Pink Tiger is a waterfront restaurant located on DC’s Wharf, blending Southern American and Asian cuisines through a playful, refined lens. Our menu is thoughtful and inventive, complemented by an artful bar program, live music on weekend evenings, and a touch of retro charm. We are a small, owner-operated team with a strong sense of identity and a lot of pride in what we’re building.

As Pink Tiger continues to evolve, our kitchen has grown into a more focused, disciplined, and intentional space. We’re looking for culinary folks who genuinely care—about food quality, consistency, food safety, and about being part of a team that shows up for one another.

This role is a great fit for someone who is ready to step into a leadership position and be part of something blossoming. You’ll help us stay consistent, organized, and steady as we continue to refine what we do and grow.

Position Overview--

The Lead Line Cook is a key role in our kitchen—someone who helps hold the line together during service and supports the team day-to-day. This is a leadership position, ideal for a strong cook who’s ready to step into leadership, guide others, and help uphold our standards.

You’ll work closely with our chefs to keep service smooth, support training, and ensure every plate leaving the kitchen reflects who we are.

Responsibilities

Run the Line

• Act as the point person during service when chefs are not directly on the line
• Help manage ticket flow, timing, and communication during busy service
• Step in to solve problems quickly and calmly (backs ups, 86’s, mistakes)

Maintain Standards & Consistency

• Ensure every dish meets Pink Tiger standards for taste, presentation, and portion
• Keep stations clean, organized, and fully stocked at all times
• Correct mistakes in real time—respectfully and professionally

Train & Support the Team

• Help train new line cooks on stations, prep, and expectations
• Be a go-to resource for the team during service
• Lead by example—no shortcuts, strong habits, clean execution

Oversee Prep & Setup

• Help manage daily prep lists and priorities
• Ensure mise en place is complete before service begins
• Check quality and organization of prep (cuts, labeling, storage)
• Communicate any gaps or low inventory early

Communicate Clearly

• Keep strong, respectful communication with the kitchen team, expo, and chefs
• Help keep the kitchen calm, focused, and moving together

Set the Tone

• Stay steady and composed under pressure
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, team-first environment
• Be someone the team trusts and looks to

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of line cook experience in a full-service restaurant
• Strong knife skills and a solid understanding of multiple cooking techniques
• Experience working with woks is a plus
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
• Reliable, punctual, and available evenings, weekends, and holidays
• A team-oriented mindset and a genuine love for the craft
• Some experience training or guiding others is a strong plus

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay with opportunity for growth into Jr. Sous
• 2 weeks paid vacation
• Staff meals each shift
• Employee dining discounts
• A committed team with hands-on leadership and clear communication
• Ongoing opportunities to learn, develop, and grow with us
• A respectful, supportive, and fast-paced kitchen culture