Cook I – Lead Line Cook (PM)Olive & Hay | Meritage Resort & Spa

Pacific Hospitality Group provides a unique value proposition to investors and team members through our owner/operator approach. We are a family focused company committed to long term holds that enable us to grow our business and our team members. Our vision is to enrich people’s lives by offering memorable experiences, giving back to our communities and honoring God in all that we do. We are focused on long-term value creation and sustainable growth.

Our Guiding Principles:

Integrity, Compliance, Value Creation, Principled Entrepreneurship, Customer Focus, Knowledge, Change, Humility, Respect, & Fulfillment

The hourly range for this opportunity is $23.50 an hour.

Cook I – Lead Line Cook (PM)

Olive & Hay | Meritage Resort & Spa

Olive & Hay is the signature Italian-inspired restaurant at Meritage Resort & Spa, celebrating fresh California ingredients, handcrafted cuisine, and genuine hospitality. We are passionate about creating memorable dining experiences through seasonal menus, thoughtful preparation, and exceptional service.

We're looking for our next Cook I – Lead Line Cook to join our culinary team. This position is designed for an experienced, highly skilled cook who can confidently execute every station in the kitchen while serving as a leader and mentor to the culinary team. You'll play a key role in maintaining the quality, consistency, and pace of service while helping develop the next generation of cooks.

This is a full-time position that requires flexibility to work multiple stations and shifts based on business needs. As one of the kitchen's senior line cooks, you'll partner closely with the Sous Chef and Executive Chef to execute daily operations, support menu development, and uphold Olive & Hay's culinary standards.

Who You Are

You are an experienced culinary professional who leads by example. You remain calm under pressure, thrive in a high-volume environment, and understand that exceptional food is the result of preparation, teamwork, and attention to detail.

You take ownership of your station, support your teammates, and willingly step in wherever needed. You enjoy teaching others, embrace accountability, and take pride in delivering an exceptional dining experience every service.

What You'll Do

· Execute all stations within the kitchen, including sauté, grill, pizza, pantry, and dessert, while maintaining exceptional quality and consistency.

· Lead your station during service by organizing production, prioritizing tickets, and maintaining communication with chefs and fellow cooks.

· Ensure all menu items are prepared according to standardized recipes, presentation standards, and quality expectations.

· Assist the Sous Chef with daily production planning, station assignments, and service execution.

· Train, coach, and mentor Cook II and Cook III team members on cooking techniques, recipes, plating standards, sanitation, and kitchen organization.

· Monitor food quality, seasoning, temperatures, and presentation throughout service.

· Assist in developing daily specials, seasonal menu features, and wine dinner offerings.

· Ensure all stations are fully prepared through proper mise en place, organization, and readiness before service begins.

· Support inventory management through proper receiving, labeling, storage, rotation (FIFO), and waste reduction.

· Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency, workflow, food quality, and consistency.

· Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety throughout the kitchen.

· Report equipment maintenance needs, safety concerns, and operational issues promptly.

· Assist with ordering, production planning, and inventory counts as assigned.

· Step into leadership responsibilities during the absence of a Sous Chef or Chef, helping direct service and ensuring operational standards are maintained.

· Perform additional culinary responsibilities that contribute to the success of the restaurant and culinary team.

Qualifications

· Three or more years of experience in an upscale restaurant, resort, or hotel kitchen preferred.

· Advanced experience working multiple hot line stations, including sauté, grill, pizza, and pantry.

· Strong knowledge of classical cooking techniques, seasoning, sauces, proteins, and scratch preparation.

· Excellent knife skills and strong understanding of food preparation and presentation.

· Proven ability to lead a station independently during high-volume service.

· Previous experience training or mentoring other cooks preferred.

· Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.

· Ability to prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining exceptional quality under pressure.

· Culinary school or formal culinary training is preferred but not required.

· California Food Handler Card, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

· Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands require.

Physical Requirements

This position requires standing and walking for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive movements while working in a commercial kitchen environment. Team members regularly work around open flames, hot cooking surfaces, pizza ovens, refrigerated storage areas, sharp tools, and cleaning chemicals while maintaining strict safety standards and wearing required personal protective equipment.

Why Olive & Hay?

At Olive & Hay, we believe exceptional restaurants are built by exceptional people. We invest in our team through mentorship, professional development, and a culture that values craftsmanship, accountability, and continuous improvement.

As a Cook I, you'll have the opportunity to influence the guest experience, mentor developing culinarians, and work alongside a leadership team that is committed to excellence. Whether your goal is to become a Sous Chef, Executive Chef, or continue refining your craft, you'll find opportunities to grow while helping shape one of Napa Valley's premier resort dining destinations.

If you're passionate about great food, take pride in leading by example, and are ready to elevate both your career and your team, we'd love to meet you.

Apply at: https://pacifichospitality.wd503.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PHG?locations=fb0d3699579e10010a172d2643840000

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.