LEAD OPERATOR / KITCHEN MANAGER

LEAD OPERATOR / KITCHEN MANAGER

Alaia Consulting LLC dba MELT'D San Diego, CA Job Details Full-time From $26 an hour 4 hours ago Benefits Paid training Qualifications Line cook experience Operations management Shift management English Hiring Organizational skills Full Job Description Build a Restaurant Brand From Day One Melt'd is a new premium delivery-only restaurant concept opening September 21, 2026, in Barrio Logan. We specialize in pressed wraps loaded with grilled chicken, crispy fries, and house-made cheese sauces. Our menu is intentionally focused, our systems are streamlined, and our goal is simple: Serve great food consistently and build a brand customers crave. We're looking for a strong, hands-on Lead Operator to run daily kitchen operations and help build the company from the ground up. This is not a corporate management position. You'll report directly to the founder and have meaningful input on kitchen systems, training procedures, operational standards, and the standards we hold ourselves to long-term. Responsibilities Open and close the kitchen Lead daily service operations Train and supervise team members Manage prep and inventory Maintain food quality standards Ensure food safety and cleanliness Monitor ticket times and kitchen efficiency Assist with hiring and onboarding future staff Help establish operating procedures during launch Qualifications 3+ years restaurant leadership experience Kitchen Manager, Shift Leader, Sous Chef, or similar role Strong organizational skills Positive leadership style Reliable and punctual Comfortable in a fast-paced environment ServSafe certification preferred Delivery or ghost kitchen experience is a plus Compensation Base Pay $26/hour Monthly Performance Bonus Up to $1,000/month Bonus is measured monthly and based on: Sales performance Customer ratings Food quality standards Labor efficiency Team performance Typical bonus range: $500-$750/month. Schedule Full-time position Wednesday - Sunday Typical shift: 3:30 PM - 11:30 PM Location Barrio Logan, San Diego Near Cesar Chavez Parkway and I-5. Benefits Currently no health benefits. We believe in being transparent and expect to add benefits as the company grows. Why Join Melt'd? Ground-floor opportunity Small focused menu No dining room chaos Direct access to ownership Opportunity to grow into a multi-unit operations role Help build the systems and culture from day one Hiring Process Hiring begins July-August 2026 to allow time for training, systems setup, and launch preparation. Interviews begin August 2026. Final candidates will complete a practical kitchen and leadership assessment. Assessment includes a short prep exercise, station walk-through, and discussion of operational scenarios.

Opening Date:

September 21, 2026 Apply using our quick application form: https://forms.gle/ZuNJupYHyv5ZGVqV6

Pay:

From $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid training

Language:

English (Required)

Work Location:

In person