Lead Cook

Hills Cocktails & Dining | Dry Diggings Distillery

Location: El Dorado Hills, CA
Compensation: $21–$26/hour, depending on experience
Position: Part-Time or Full-Time | Hourly

Hills Cocktails & Dining is a family-owned restaurant and cocktail bar located inside Dry Diggings Distillery in El Dorado Hills. We're a working distillery that opened in 2012 and expanded into a full bar and restaurant in 2025. Our kitchen prepares hearty, approachable food that complements our spirits and bar program.

We're a growing operation with a close-knit team, and we're looking for an experienced Lead Line Cook who takes pride in their craft, works well with others, and can help bring consistency, organization, and leadership to our kitchen.

We need a dependable, hands-on leader who can work alongside our Head Chef, help guide the kitchen team, and keep service running smoothly.

The ideal candidate is confident on the line, organized under pressure, and comfortable taking initiative. They understand that a successful kitchen requires more than good food: it takes communication, preparation, teamwork, and accountability.

This is a working position. You'll be cooking alongside the team while helping coordinate daily operations, maintain standards, and support the development of other cooks.

• Prepare and execute menu items with consistency, efficiency, and attention to quality.

• Work alongside the Head Chef to coordinate kitchen operations and maintain a smooth, organized service.

• Take the lead during assigned shifts, including coordinating ticket flow, prioritizing orders, and communicating with the team.

• Assist with training, coaching, and supporting kitchen staff.

• Help organize daily prep lists, maintain appropriate pars, and ensure stations are properly stocked and ready for service.

• Maintain recipe consistency, proper portions, plating standards, and food quality.

• Monitor food handling, sanitation, storage, and kitchen cleanliness.

• Communicate effectively with both BOH and FOH staff to resolve issues and keep service moving.

• Identify problems, take initiative, and help implement practical solutions.

• Support the Head Chef and management with inventory, waste reduction, and general kitchen organization.

• Set a positive example through professionalism, reliability, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

• 4+ years of professional kitchen experience preferred.

• Previous experience as a Lead Line Cook, senior line cook, or kitchen shift lead strongly preferred.

• Strong understanding of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen operations.

• Ability to confidently work multiple stations and maintain quality during high-volume service.

• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to guide and support coworkers while maintaining a respectful, collaborative work environment.

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper kitchen procedures.

• Dependable, punctual, and comfortable taking responsibility.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.