Kitchen Manager / Lead Cook Seeking a dependable, experienced Kitchen Manager who is also a strong hands-on cook. This is a working management position—not an office-based role. The Kitchen Manager will cook alongside the team while making sure employees follow recipes, portion sizes, prep procedures, food-safety requirements, and cleanliness standards. The owner handles payroll, bookkeeping, financial paperwork, and other administrative responsibilities. Your primary responsibility will be leading day-to-day kitchen operations and making sure the restaurant is properly prepared, organized, and operating according to our standards. The right person must be comfortable giving clear direction, correcting problems when they occur, documenting employee issues, and holding the team accountable. We are looking for someone consistent and fair who will enforce the same standards every day. Responsibilities Work scheduled cooking shifts and competently operate all major kitchen stations Lead cooks, prep employees, and dish staff during daily operations Make sure food is prepared according to established recipes, weights, portions, and procedures Verify that proteins, sides, sauces, batters, vegetables, and other items are prepped correctly Use scales, recipes, prep sheets, portioning tools, and checklists to maintain consistency Inspect completed prep rather than assuming it was done correctly Assign prep and cleaning duties and confirm that assignments are completed Monitor food quality, appearance, portion size, and ticket times Correct employees who are not following recipes, procedures, or workplace expectations Coach and train new and existing kitchen employees Document repeated performance, attendance, or conduct problems and report them to the owner Maintain proper food labeling, date marking, rotation, storage, and temperature records Enforce sanitation, handwashing, cross-contamination, and food-safety requirements Monitor product levels and notify the owner of shortages or ordering needs Reduce waste, overportioning, unauthorized food use, and unnecessary product loss Make sure opening, shift-change, and closing checklists are completed Ensure equipment and work areas are cleaned and properly maintained Help ensure scheduled employees report to work and communicate staffing problems promptly Keep the owner informed of operational, staffing, maintenance, and food-quality concerns Support a respectful, organized, and accountable workplace Qualifications Strong line-cooking and food-preparation skills Previous kitchen leadership, shift-lead, or restaurant management experience preferred Able to lead employees while actively working beside them Able to follow and enforce written recipes, weights, portions, and procedures Comfortable giving instructions, correcting poor performance, and holding employees accountable Dependable, punctual, organized, and consistent Good understanding of food safety, sanitation, and temperature control Able to remain calm and make decisions during busy periods Able to communicate clearly with employees and the owner ServSafe Manager certification preferred or willingness to obtain it Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift up to 50 pounds What success looks like Prep is completed correctly and on time Recipes and portion weights are followed consistently Employees know their responsibilities and complete assigned work The kitchen remains clean, stocked, and inspection-ready Food quality is consistent regardless of who is working Waste, overportioning, and preventable mistakes are reduced Problems are addressed promptly and communicated to the owner The manager leads from the line and earns the respect of the kitchen team Schedule This is a full-time, hands-on position. Availability during our busiest breakfast and lunch periods, as well as some opening and weekend shifts, may be required. Specific days and hours will be discussed during the interview.

Pay:

$12.00 - $18.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Food provided

Work Location:

In person