Foothills Watershed —

Old Fort, NC Job Type:

Full-Time Pay:

Starting at $22 per hour with a 30-day performance review

Schedule:

Early mornings, days, nights, weekends, holidays, and events as needed About the Position Foothills Watershed is seeking an experienced BBQ Kitchen Manager / Pitmaster to lead our kitchen and smoked-meat program. This is a hands-on position for someone with professional barbecue experience. You will operate commercial smokers, manage barbecue production, lead the kitchen team, oversee ordering and inventory, and support the line during high-volume service. The right candidate understands both the craft of barbecue and the daily responsibilities of running a successful kitchen. Responsibilities Prepare, smoke, rest, hold, slice, and portion barbecue according to company standards. Operate commercial smokers and manage fire, fuel, airflow, temperature, and smoke quality. Build production schedules around cook times, projected sales, weather, and events. Maintain consistent standards for tenderness, moisture, bark, flavor, portions, and presentation. Lead daily kitchen preparation, service, cleaning, and closing. Train employees on barbecue production, smoker operation, recipes, portions, sanitation, and kitchen procedures. Prepare kitchen schedules and organize daily station assignments. Handle routine callouts and coverage needs. Place orders, receive deliveries, and maintain accurate inventory. Track meat yields, food cost, portions, waste, and product rotation. Prevent unnecessary overproduction, shortages, spoilage, and emergency purchasing. Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen. Enforce all food-safety, sanitation, and workplace-safety requirements. Monitor ticket times, food quality, and kitchen performance during service. Work the pit, prep areas, line, expo, or any other kitchen station when needed. Support concerts, private events, catering, and high-volume weekends. Communicate staffing, equipment, inventory, and production concerns promptly. Requirements At least two years of kitchen leadership or management experience. Professional barbecue, smokehouse, or smoked-meat production experience is required. Experience operating commercial smokers and managing long-duration cooks. Strong understanding of fire management, wood and fuel, airflow, smoke quality, resting, holding, cooling, and reheating. Ability to evaluate barbecue for tenderness, moisture, bark, seasoning, and overall quality. Experience with ordering, inventory, food cost, yields, portions, and waste control. Ability to train and lead employees in a fast-paced kitchen. Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. ServSafe Manager certification or ability to obtain it promptly. Availability to work early mornings, days, nights, weekends, holidays, and events. Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to work around heat, smoke, open flames, raw meat, grease, and outdoor weather conditions. Compensation and Benefits Starting pay of $22 per hour. 30-day performance review. Free shift meals. Employee discounts at participating Foothills locations. Paid training. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Full-time position with a variable schedule based on production and events. About Foothills Watershed Foothills Watershed is an outdoor destination in Old Fort, North Carolina, combining food, beverage, recreation, events, and community. Our kitchen serves local families, outdoor enthusiasts, concert guests, and large event crowds. Business levels can change quickly based on weather, season, and programming, so flexibility and strong preparation are essential. If you are an experienced barbecue professional who can lead both the pit and the kitchen, we would love to hear from you. Foothills Local Meats is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

Pay:

$22.00 - $24.00 per hour Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid training

Work Location:

In person