Lead Cook / Kitchen Operations Lead

Sunner’s Waialua, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Pay: $25–$30 per hour, depending on experience Job Type: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week Schedule: Flexible, generally 4-5 days per week Start Date: ASAP Anticipated Opening: Mid November 2026 Sunner’s is a new country style quick service restaurant opening in Waialua on Oahu’s North Shore. Our concept is a food truck kitchen with our own covered patio and dining yard. Our menu focuses on simple, quality ingredients, locally sourced Hawaiʻi meats when available, and fresh, satisfying food. Menu items include smash burgers, sweet potato fries, protein bowls, breakfast burritos, and smoothies, with plans to eventually expand from lunch & dinner to breakfast and coffee service. Our food truck is already fully equipped, and our core menu and recipes have been developed. We’re looking for an experienced cook to help finalize our kitchen operations, establish efficient systems, and take a leading role in daily food preparation and service. This position combines hands on cooking with kitchen organization, prep planning, inventory management, and operational problem solving. You’ll work directly with the owners to develop practical solutions and implement agreed upon procedures. Responsibilities Pre-Opening Help establish efficient food preparation procedures and daily kitchen workflows. Evaluate prep requirements, storage capacity, and ingredient quantities. Assist with inventory planning, ordering procedures, and ingredient sourcing. Test and refine existing recipes for consistency, portioning, and efficient execution. Organize equipment, ingredients, and workstations within the food truck. Help develop prep lists, food safety procedures, and kitchen operating systems. Assist with establishing training procedures for future kitchen staff. Work collaboratively with the owners to identify operational needs and recommend practical solutions. Ongoing Operations Prepare and cook menu items according to established recipes and quality standards. Take a hands on role in daily kitchen prep and food service. Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment. Monitor inventory levels, ingredient usage, food quality, and waste. Help manage prep quantities and ordering needs. Maintain consistent food quality, portion sizes, and presentation. Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency and service. Assist with training and supervising additional kitchen staff as needed. Communicate regularly with the owners regarding kitchen operations. Qualifications Required Professional cooking or commercial food service experience. Strong hands-on cooking skills and understanding of kitchen operations. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, proper food handling, and storage. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems. Dependable, positive, and comfortable working in a new business environment. Good communication skills and willingness to work collaboratively. Preferred Previous experience as a lead cook, kitchen supervisor, or kitchen manager. Experience working in food trucks, quick service restaurants, or compact commercial kitchens. Familiarity with inventory management, prep planning, and portion control. Experience helping open a restaurant or food service business. Knowledge of local Hawaiʻi food suppliers and ingredient sourcing. Experience training or supervising kitchen staff. Compensation & Benefits $25–$30 per hour, depending on experience. Full-time position, approximately 40 hours per week. Health insurance coverage. 7 days of paid time off annually. Free meal during each working shift. Flexible scheduling, generally 4–5 days per week. Schedule & Location Sunner’s is located in Waialua on Oahu’s North Shore. Our planned operating hours are 7 days per week, 11 AM–7 PM. This is a full-time position averaging approximately 40 hours per week, …

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