Kitchen Shift Lead / Lead Line Cook

Top Shooters Sports Bar & Grill
Columbia, Illinois
$17–$19 per hour | Full-Time or Part-Time

Top Shooters is hiring an experienced Kitchen Shift Lead / Lead Line Cook to help lead our kitchen team during busy evening and weekend shifts.

This is a hands-on, hourly kitchen position for a dependable and experienced line cook who can work multiple stations, maintain food quality, and help keep the kitchen organized and running efficiently during high-volume service.

About Top Shooters

Top Shooters is a high-volume restaurant and sports bar in Columbia, Illinois, known for quality food, fast service, and a strong team culture.

Our kitchen operates through reliability, consistency, urgency, and teamwork. We are looking for an experienced cook who leads by example, communicates well, and helps the entire kitchen team succeed.

Kitchen Shift Lead Responsibilities

• Work multiple kitchen stations, including grill, fryer, prep, and expo
• Help coordinate kitchen workflow during high-volume restaurant shifts
• Maintain efficient ticket times and keep food orders moving
• Lead by example through a strong work ethic, urgency, and consistency
• Maintain food quality, portion, presentation, and recipe standards
• Communicate clearly with cooks, managers, bartenders, and service staff
• Help organize the kitchen team and assign immediate priorities during service
• Assist with food preparation, stocking, kitchen setup, and closing duties
• Follow and reinforce food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards
• Identify and communicate low-stock items, equipment concerns, or operational issues
• Step into any kitchen station as needed to keep service running smoothly
• Support the Kitchen Manager and restaurant management team with daily kitchen operations

What This Position Is

This position is a good fit for an experienced line cook who:

• Is comfortable taking the lead during busy shifts
• Can help keep other kitchen employees focused and organized
• Sets a positive example for pace, accountability, and teamwork
• Remains calm and productive during high-volume service
• Wants an opportunity to develop leadership experience and potentially grow into restaurant management

What This Position Is Not

This is an hourly leadership position, not a salaried kitchen manager role.

The Kitchen Shift Lead does not have formal direct reports and is not responsible for hiring, scheduling, employee discipline, or performance reviews.

Required Qualifications

• At least 1 year of line cook, restaurant kitchen, or food service experience
• Experience working in a fast-paced or high-volume kitchen
• Ability to confidently work grill, fryer, prep, or expo stations
• Consistent attendance, punctuality, and reliability
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to stay calm, organized, and focused during busy shifts
• Strong attention to food quality, cleanliness, and detail
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform the physical duties of a restaurant kitchen position
• Evening and weekend availability

Previous experience as a lead line cook, kitchen shift leader, kitchen supervisor, cook lead, or restaurant shift lead is preferred but not required.

Pay and Benefits

• $17–$19 per hour, based on experience, availability, and demonstrated leadership ability
• Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time employees
• Paid time off for eligible employees
• Employee food and dining discounts
• Flexible scheduling
• Full-time and part-time opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement into kitchen management or restaurant leadership

Schedule

• Full-time and part-time positions available
• Evening availability required
• Weekend availability required
• Shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays based on business needs

Join a busy restaurant kitchen where dependable employees, teamwork, and strong performance are recognized.

Apply today to be considered for the Kitchen Shift Lead / Lead Line Cook position at Top Shooters in Columbia, IL.