Lead Line Cook / Kitchen Lead

Lead Line Cook / Kitchen Lead

Get Hooked Coffee & Bagel Co. | Simi Valley, CA

Pay: $20–$24 per hour, based on experience

Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Schedule: Daytime shifts, including weekends | No late nights

Company Description

Get Hooked Coffee & Bagel Co. is a locally owned and operated coffee shop and restaurant in Simi Valley, California, specializing in handcrafted coffee, fresh bagels, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and lunch favorites.

We’re more than just a coffee shop. We’re a community-focused business built on quality food, exceptional customer service, teamwork, and inclusion. We take pride in creating a welcoming environment for our guests and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities.

As our business continues to grow, we’re focused on building a strong, dependable team that takes pride in delivering great food, fast service, and consistent quality.

Role Description

We are seeking a highly experienced, motivated, and efficient Lead Line Cook / Kitchen Lead to join our growing team.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen. The ideal candidate is an exceptionally strong line cook who can confidently manage multiple orders, direct kitchen workflow, and lead by example while actively preparing food.

We are looking for someone who can take ownership of the kitchen line, maintain a sense of urgency, and ensure every order is prepared quickly, accurately, and consistently.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead and coordinate kitchen operations during assigned shifts, particularly during high-volume breakfast and lunch rushes.
* Manage incoming tickets, prioritize orders, and delegate responsibilities to maintain efficient kitchen workflow.
* Work actively across kitchen stations, including flat-top grill, sandwich assembly, burrito preparation, and fryer.
* Maintain speed and accuracy while preparing multiple orders simultaneously.
* Communicate clearly with kitchen employees and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service.
* Identify and resolve kitchen bottlenecks while maintaining food quality and service standards.
* Train, coach, and support team members to improve efficiency, consistency, and performance.
* Ensure all food is prepared according to established recipes, portion standards, and presentation expectations.
* Assist with food preparation, inventory organization, restocking, and daily kitchen operations.
* Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe working environment.
* Lead by example through strong work ethic, professionalism, reliability, and teamwork.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

* Previous professional line cook experience in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment.
* Strong experience operating a flat-top grill and preparing multiple orders simultaneously.
* Ability to manage ticket flow, prioritize tasks, and remain organized under pressure.
* Demonstrated speed, efficiency, and attention to detail without sacrificing food quality.
* Strong communication skills and the confidence to direct and coordinate kitchen workflow.
* Ability to remain calm, focused, and productive during busy service periods.
* Thorough understanding of kitchen safety, sanitation, and food handling practices.
* Dependability, punctuality, and a strong sense of accountability.
* Ability to work early morning and daytime shifts, including weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

* 3+ years of professional line cooking experience.
* Previous experience as a Lead Line Cook, Kitchen Lead, Kitchen Supervisor, or similar position.
* Experience in a high-volume breakfast restaurant, diner, café, or fast-casual restaurant.
* Experience training and mentoring kitchen employees.
* Familiarity with kitchen ticket management systems and coordinating multiple cooking stations.
* California Food Handler Card or other applicable food safety certification.

What We Offer

* Competitive pay of $20–$24 per hour based on experience and demonstrated skills.
* Daytime shifts with no late-night work.
* Opportunity to take on a meaningful leadership role within a growing local business.
* A positive, team-oriented work environment.
* The opportunity to help improve kitchen operations and develop a strong team.
* A locally owned business that values hard work, reliability, inclusion, and community.

Our Ideal Candidate

We’re not simply looking for someone who knows how to cook. We’re looking for someone who knows how to run a line.

You understand that a successful kitchen requires speed, organization, communication, teamwork, and consistency. You can recognize what needs to happen next, direct the team accordingly, and keep service moving without constant supervision.

If you’re an experienced kitchen professional who takes pride in running an efficient, high-quality line, we’d love to hear from you.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and include details about your experience working in high-volume kitchens and any previous kitchen leadership responsibilities.