Sous Chef - Lalla Grill Del Monte

Moncada Group • Monterey, CA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Lalla Grill is seeking a reliable, experienced Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in operating a busy, high-volume kitchen at its Del Monte Shopping Center location in Monterey, California. The restaurant is known for freshly made, scratch-prepared food and serves dine-in, takeout, and large-party events. This hands-on leadership role may suit a current Sous Chef or an experienced cook ready to step into a leadership position.

The Sous Chef helps lead daily kitchen operations and food preparation, maintains consistent food quality and safety, supports and trains kitchen staff, coordinates with front-of-house staff and managers, and assists with inventory and vendor deliveries. The successful candidate is a practical kitchen leader who communicates clearly, stays calm under pressure, mentors team members, solves problems in real time, and leads by example.

This is a full-time position with expected hours of 50–55 per week. Shifts are 10–12 hours and require availability for both day and night shifts, as well as weekends and holidays. A Food Manager Certification must be completed shortly after hiring.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of professional kitchen experience.
• Previous experience as a cook or Sous Chef in a high-volume restaurant.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Excellent cooking, time-management, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks at once.
• Food Manager Certification must be completed shortly after hiring.
• Availability for 10–12-hour shifts, including both day and night shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Formal culinary training.
• English proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Head Chef to lead kitchen operations.
• Direct and assist with food preparation and execution during service.
• Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Learn and work at any kitchen station as needed.
• Ensure food safety and cleanliness standards are consistently followed.
• Keep stations clean and maintain kitchen equipment.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff during service.
• Communicate with front-of-house staff about orders, dietary needs, and timing.
• Coordinate with managers on large-party, takeout, and catering orders.
• Help train and mentor new cooks on techniques, recipes, and procedures.
• Support a respectful, team-oriented kitchen culture.
• Assist with ordering from Sysco and other vendors.
• Manage inventory and minimize food waste.
• Receive deliveries and communicate with delivery drivers.
• Stay calm under pressure and help the team remain focused during peak periods.
• Offer ideas and improvements for kitchen operations.
• Lead by example in maintaining high kitchen standards.

Benefits

• Two weeks of paid vacation.
• 50% employee meal discount.
• Shift meals and drinks provided.
• Opportunity for growth at Lalla Grill or its sister restaurants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED