Kitchen Manager - Lead Line Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Kitchen Manager | Wellesley, MA | $75,000/Year

A well-established, full-service restaurant in Wellesley, MA is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to join their team. This is a hands-on, line-focused role suited to a culinary professional who leads by example and takes pride in both the food they cook and the team they support.

About the Role

This position is primarily a lead line cook role. The majority of your time will be spent working on the line, executing service alongside your team, and maintaining the high food quality standards the restaurant is known for. You will serve as the direct link between the Executive Chef and the line, ensuring that standards, recipes, and communication flow smoothly during every shift.

Key Responsibilities

Line Operations and Food Quality

• Work all line positions with proficiency and lead by example during service
• Train and develop new line cooks to meet established standards
• Monitor food preparation and ensure consistency in quality, presentation, and timing
• Assist in rolling out new menu items and culinary techniques as directed by the chef

Kitchen Oversight

• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations in collaboration with the Executive Chef
• Handle ordering and inventory management on the chef's days off
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards in full compliance with local health regulations
• Schedule routine equipment maintenance and address operational issues as they arise

Team and Communication

• Relay instructions and updates from the Executive Chef clearly and effectively
• Foster a positive, organized, and efficient kitchen environment
• Coordinate with front-of-house management to support smooth overall operations

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary training or a degree in Culinary Arts is a plus
• ServSafe Manager or Certified Food Manager certification required
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of kitchen leadership experience as a lead line cook, sous chef, or kitchen manager
• Strong proficiency across multiple line positions
• Solid leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to perform well under pressure in a high-volume environment
• Familiarity with inventory management and allergen/dietary regulations

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate brings genuine passion for food and a commitment to quality in every dish. They are detail-oriented, dependable, and capable of holding the line to a high standard while keeping the kitchen culture positive and productive. This is a role for someone who is as comfortable cooking as they are leading.

Compensation: $75,000 per year



To be considered for this position, please submit your resume for review.

Gecko Hospitality in New England is a premier North American recruitment firm. Covering MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, and CT, the branch connects top-tier management and executive talent with leading hospitality organizations.

Led by experienced former hospitality operators, including Franchise Partners Evan Kaplan and Brian Blum, the New England team leverages their firsthand industry knowledge to carefully assess candidates for both operational competency and cultural fit.

Key Focus Areas:

Target Sectors: Restaurants (quick service to fine dining), hotels, resorts, private clubs, casinos, catering, and corporate dining.
Roles Placed: Executive and senior leadership, including General Managers, Executive Chefs, Directors of Operations, and C-suite executives.
Core Services: Executive search, talent strategy, organizational design, and leadership pipeline development.

Operating exclusively within the hospitality niche, the firm provides customized, relationship-driven recruitment solutions that accelerate business performance and advance professional careers.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality in New England is a premier North American recruitment firm. Covering MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, and CT, the branch connects top-tier management and executive talent with leading hospitality organizations.\r\n\r\nLed by experienced former hospitality operators, including Franchise Partners Evan Kaplan and Brian Blum, the New England team leverages their firsthand industry knowledge to carefully assess candidates for both operational competency and cultural fit.\r\n\r\nKey Focus Areas:\r\n\r\nTarget Sectors: Restaurants (quick service to fine dining), hotels, resorts, private clubs, casinos, catering, and corporate dining.\r\nRoles Placed: Executive and senior leadership, including General Managers, Executive Chefs, Directors of Operations, and C-suite executives.\r\nCore Services: Executive search, talent strategy, organizational design, and leadership pipeline development.\r\n\r\nOperating exclusively within the hospitality niche, the firm provides customized, relationship-driven recruitment solutions that accelerate business performance and advance professional careers.