Culinary Shift Lead

Job Description

Job Description

About Drake’s Hollywood

Drake’s Hollywood is an upscale American restaurant inspired by the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Known for its premium steaks and seafood, expertly crafted cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere, Drake’s delivers an elevated dining experience where exceptional hospitality, impeccable execution, and memorable guest experiences take center stage.

At Drake’s Hollywood, dining is about more than great food and beverage. It is about creating moments. From celebratory dinners and business gatherings to spontaneous nights out, our guests come to Drake’s expecting an experience that feels elevated, energetic, and unforgettable. Every detail matters, and every interaction contributes to the atmosphere that defines our brand.

We are passionate about hospitality professionals who understand that exceptional service goes beyond execution. Our team members are polished, confident, engaging, and genuinely invested in creating meaningful connections with guests. They anticipate needs, create memorable experiences, and contribute to an environment where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and excited to return.

About the Opportunity

As a Culinary Shift Lead with Drake's Hollywood, you’ll play an important role in supporting the daily execution of our kitchens and helping the culinary team deliver consistently at a high level. This is a hands-on, hourly leadership position for experienced culinary professionals who are ready to take on additional responsibility while continuing to work alongside the team.

You’ll support the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef team during prep and service, helping maintain organization, quality, cleanliness, and consistency throughout the kitchen. Culinary Shift Leads set the example through their own performance; demonstrating strong station execution, urgency, attention to detail, and a team-first mentality while helping guide and support fellow team members.

This role is also an opportunity to continue developing as a culinary leader. As Vandelay continues to grow, we are committed to developing talent from within and creating opportunities for high-performing team members to advance into Executive Sous Chef, and eventually Executive Chef leadership.

Core Responsibilities

• Work hands-on alongside the culinary team during prep and service to ensure consistent, timely execution

• Support the Executive Chef and Sous Chef team in maintaining Vandelay culinary standards throughout each shift

• Help lead the kitchen during assigned shifts by setting the pace, communicating priorities, and supporting team members throughout service

• Execute and reinforce company recipes, portioning, preparation, and plating standards

• Monitor food quality, presentation, and consistency throughout service

• Assist with opening and closing procedures and ensure assigned tasks are completed accurately

• Support proper prep levels, station readiness, product rotation, labeling, storage, and organization

• Reinforce proper food handling, sanitation, cleanliness, and safety practices

• Provide real-time coaching and direction to culinary team members when needed

• Help train and cross-train new and existing team members on stations, recipes, procedures, and culinary standards

• Communicate product needs, operational concerns, equipment issues, and team feedback to culinary leadership

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment

• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, urgency, and a team-first approach

• Support culinary leadership with additional operational needs as assigned

Requirements 

• 2+ years of full-service culinary experience strongly preferred

• Strong working knowledge of kitchen operations, food preparation, sanitation, and safe food-handling practices

• Ability to execute at a high level in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment

• Previous experience as a Lead Line Cook, Kitchen Lead, Shift Lead, or similar position preferred

• Strong communication skills and ability to provide clear direction to teammates

• Dependable, organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable taking initiative

• Ability to remain composed and solutions-focused during high-volume service

• Team-first mentality and willingness to coach, support, and develop others

• Open to constructive feedback with a desire to continue learning and growing

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Food Handler certification as required by state and local agencies

Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available

• Paid Time Off 

• Dining discounts at all Vandelay concepts

• Professional development and career growth

• Robust Manager in Training program

• All Vandelay restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family 

• A collaborative, uplifting culture where we take care of our guests by taking care of our people first

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

• Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time

If you’re a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to grow with a company that values hospitality and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you!

Vandelay Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.

We use eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility.