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Job Description
Lead Line Cook — Ladera Ranch Rancho Capistrano Winery — Ladera Ranch, CA Rancho Capistrano Winery is seeking a strong and dependable Lead Line Cook for our Ladera Ranch location. This position is designed for an experienced cook who can help support daily kitchen execution, maintain standards under pressure, and assist in continuing to build a calm, organized, professional kitchen culture. Ladera Ranch is currently in an important stage of operational stabilization and growth. As our Team continues to evolve, we are focused on consistency, accountability, cleanliness, communication, and creating a stronger long-term kitchen foundation. We are looking for someone who wants to be part of that process and take pride in helping build something the right way. This is not simply a "senior cook" position. We are looking for someone who can help lead through consistency, professionalism, communication, technical execution, and daily example.
Regularly work and lead active line stations during service, including sauté, grill, pizza, and other assigned stations as needed Lead and support line execution during high-volume service Assist in maintaining consistency, organization, cleanliness, and urgency throughout shifts Support station setup, prep organization, pars, and line readiness Assist with training and development of newer cooks Follow and help uphold recipe standards, portioning, holding procedures, and plating specifications Communicate clearly and professionally with both BOH and FOH Teams Maintain sanitation and food safety standards at all times Assist with daily prep production and station coverage as needed Help identify operational issues and communicate solutions through proper leadership channels Support a culture of accountability, professionalism, teamwork, and respect Serve as the closing Lead during assigned shifts, ensuring proper kitchen shutdown, nightly cleaning, organization, stocking, and closing procedures are completed thoroughly and consistently Support pizza station execution and assist with pizza oven operation when needed
Qualifications:
Minimum 3 years high-volume line cooking experience preferred Leadership or lead cook experience strongly preferred Strong sauté and grill experience preferred Experience with pizza preparation, pizza ovens, and pizza station execution strongly preferred Ability to remain calm and organized under pressure Strong communication and teamwork skills Understanding of kitchen systems, prep flow, timing, and execution Ability to multitask while maintaining attention to detail Reliable transportation and punctuality required Food Handler Certification required Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
What We Value:
Calm, controlled communication Accountability and professionalism Cleanliness and organization Consistency under pressure Team-oriented leadership Positive attitude and willingness to learn Respect for systems, structure, and standards Pride in maintaining a clean and professional kitchen environment This is an opportunity to grow within a company focused on operational improvement, culinary standards, Team development, and long-term growth.
