Role Overview
The Kitchen Lead I – Line Cook is a working kitchen lead who combines hands-on cooking with leadership responsibilities. This role ensures consistent execution on the line, oversees prep and production activities, maintains quality standards, and directs the entire kitchen team during assigned shifts.
This is a frontline leadership position—ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates clearly, holds high standards, and leads by example.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership & Shift Oversight
· Lead and direct the full kitchen team during service and production periods.
· Enforce and complete all kitchen opening, mid-shift, and closing checklists.
· Ensure all team members properly clock in/out and take required breaks.
· Maintain smooth ticket flow and support expediting during rush periods.
· Address performance issues immediately with clear, respectful corrective direction.
· Communicate shift notes, issues, and updates to management at EOD.
Prep, Production & Quality Oversight
· Oversee prep cooks and production staff to ensure all standards, recipes, and portioning are followed.
· Verify prep accuracy, quality, labeling, and freshness throughout the day.
· Hold prep staff accountable for organization, cleanliness, and meeting par levels.
· Anticipate production needs and communicate shortages, low pars, or mis-prep to management promptly.
· Approve or correct prep work before it enters service.
Cooking, Line Execution & Food Quality
· Cook and assemble menu items with consistency and speed.
· Maintain Sobuneh’s high standard for burrito build, grill finish, labeling accuracy, and timing.
· Support both the cook station and burrito assembly station as needed.
· Keep mise en place stocked, organized, and clean throughout service.
Inventory, Systems & EOD Responsibilities
· Conduct accurate end-of-day inventory counts and submit them to management.
· Ensure proper FIFO rotation, labeling, and storage throughout the kitchen.
· Identify waste, shortages, or inconsistencies and report them immediately.
· Support receiving orders and maintaining clean, organized storage areas.
Cleanliness, Safety & Team Standards
· Uphold cleanliness and sanitation standards throughout the shift.
· Ensure all closing duties are completed to Sobuneh standards—no exceptions.
· Coach team members on food safety, organization, and system compliance.
· Set the tone for teamwork, professionalism, and a positive kitchen culture.
General Expectations for All Team Members
· Maintain a clean, organized workspace throughout the day.
· Participate fully in cleaning and end-of-day duties.
· Communicate clearly, respectfully, and proactively.
· Support teammates to keep the kitchen flowing smoothly.
· Follow all food safety and sanitation standards.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- You take pride in your work and care about consistency, quality, and doing things the right way.
- You thrive in a fast-paced kitchen and stay calm, focused, and positive during rushes.
- You communicate clearly and respectfully, and you’re comfortable giving direction when needed.
- You’re a team player who supports and uplifts those around you.
- You have strong attention to detail — portioning, timing, cleanliness, and accuracy matter to you.
- You take initiative, solve problems quickly, and don’t wait to be told what needs to be done.
- Minimum 2 years of line cook experience in a fast-paced or high-volume kitchen.
- Prior lead or shift-lead experience strongly preferred.
- Ability to lead and direct a team while actively working on the line.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to give clear, constructive direction.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively in a team-driven environment.
- Willingness to work occasional overtime or schedule adjustments based on business needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual Spanish/English — highly valued in our kitchen environment.
- Experience training, coaching, or supporting kitchen staff development.
- Familiarity with kitchen systems, prep standards, or inventory processes in a high-volume setting.
General Employment Requirements:
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and provide any required documentation.
- May be scheduled in different stations or areas of the café (within the same role and shift) based on business needs.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by your Supervisor or Shift Lead.
- Able to work independently and also collaborate effectively within a fast-paced team environment.
- Occasional overtime or schedule adjustments may be required to support business needs.
About Us:
Sobuneh is a fast-growing Los Angeles breakfast and lunch café built on one simple idea: great food made with care makes people feel at home. What began as a small local pop-up has grown into a neighborhood staple known for our signature breakfast burritos, thoughtful service, and warm, welcoming culture.
Our menu is built on consistency, care, and flavors that feel familiar and comforting. As we open our new Melrose café in West Hollywood, we’re looking for people who want to be part of something special.
We’re big on hospitality, strong systems, and taking pride in the details. Guests feel at home when they walk in, and our team feels supported and valued. Whether we’re rolling burritos, dialing in a latte, or serving a rush, we focus on consistency, teamwork, and making every visit memorable.
If you’re passionate about great food, love working with people, and want to join a growing, established brand with real opportunities for advancement, Sobuneh Melrose is for you.
Sobuneh Melrose LLC, is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a general policy, Sobuneh Melrose LLC, does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.
Pay: $20.25 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid training
Work Location: In person
