Lead Line Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Line Cook / Junior Sous Chef

Maize Cocina & Cocktails | Westfield, NJ

Maize Cocina & Cocktails is seeking a passionate, organized, and driven culinary professional to join our leadership team as a Lead Line Cook / Junior Sous Chef.

This position is ideal for a highly skilled line cook who is ready to take the next step into kitchen leadership. You'll work directly with our Executive Chef and Sous Chef, helping to lead service, train team members, uphold standards, and ensure the consistent execution of our scratch kitchen.

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their craft, leads by example, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and wants to grow professionally.

What You'll Do

• Lead and support daily kitchen operations during service
• Maintain recipe, portioning, and plating standards
• Assist with expediting and managing ticket flow
• Support training and development of line and prep cooks
• Verify daily prep completion and station readiness
• Monitor food quality, consistency, and organization
• Assist with inventory, product rotation, labeling, and storage
• Help maintain sanitation and health department standards
• Communicate effectively with BOH and FOH leadership
• Step into a leadership role during assigned shifts

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of line cook experience in a high-volume scratch kitchen
• Previous leadership experience preferred
• Strong understanding of cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen organization
• Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Desire to learn, grow, and develop into a larger leadership role
• ServSafe certification preferred

What Makes This Different

This is not simply a line cook position.

You'll be joining a growing culinary team with a clearly defined path toward Sous Chef and future leadership opportunities. You'll work closely with ownership and have direct involvement in training, systems development, menu execution, and kitchen operations.

About Maize

Maize Cocina & Cocktails is an independently owned chef-driven Mexican restaurant located in downtown Westfield, NJ. Our menu is inspired by the diverse regions of Mexico and built around fresh ingredients, scratch cooking, and genuine hospitality.

We believe great restaurants are built by great people. We invest in our team, promote from within, and strive to create an environment where talented professionals can build long-term careers.

Compensation: Competitive hourly rate based on experience, plus opportunities for advancement.

To apply, send your resume along with a brief note about your culinary background and why you're interested in joining the Maize team.