Kitchen Manager

Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: Tavern In The Bluffs – Upscale Sports Bar
Reports To: General Manager

About Us

Tavern In The Bluffs is an upscale casual dining destination opening soon that will be known for excellent bites, chef-driven sandwiches, and exquistite entrees. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding food with polished service in a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere. Quality, consistency, and hospitality are at the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking a driven, detail-oriented Kitchen Manager to lead our culinary team, uphold our brand standards, and ensure operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Position Summary

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the kitchen, including team leadership, food quality and consistency, recipe adherence, cost control, labor optimization, inventory management, and maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety.

This role requires a strong leader who can motivate a team, execute systems flawlessly, and balance culinary excellence with financial performance.

Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, coach, and develop back-of-house team members
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professionalism
• Lead by example during peak service periods
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback
• Build and maintain a positive, respectful work environment

Culinary Execution & Brand Standards

• Ensure strict adherence to standardized recipes and plating specifications
• Maintain consistent food quality across all menu categories (seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches)
• Uphold brand standards for presentation, flavor profiles, and portion control
• Monitor ticket times and ensure efficient kitchen flow during high-volume service
• Oversee prep systems to ensure readiness for service

Food & Labor Cost Management

• Optimize food cost through portion control, waste reduction, and accurate ordering
• Monitor inventory levels and conduct weekly inventory counts
• Control labor cost through smart scheduling and productivity management
• Analyze P&L reports and implement corrective action plans when necessary
• Minimize overtime while maintaining service standards

Operations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen at all times
• Oversee equipment maintenance and coordinate repairs as needed
• Implement and enforce all company policies and procedures

Financial Performance

• Meet or exceed food cost and labor targets
• Reduce waste and shrink through proper inventory management
• Collaborate with management on seasonal menu rollouts and cost analysis
• Support initiatives to drive profitability without sacrificing quality

Qualifications

• 3+ years of kitchen management experience in an upscale casual or high-volume restaurant
• Strong background in upscale sandwiches, wraps, dinners, seafood and steakhouse concepts preferred
• Proven success in controlling food and labor costs
• Experience managing teams of 10+ BOH staff
• Solid understanding of inventory systems and P&L statements
• ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain)
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Ability to thrive under pressure and during peak service hours

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Performance-based bonuses
• Health benefits
• Paid time off
• Career growth opportunities
• A dynamic, high-energy team environment

Ideal Candidate

You are a hands-on leader who thrives in a busy kitchen. You balance culinary passion with operational discipline. You understand that consistency builds brand reputation, and profitability sustains it. You inspire your team to execute at a high level every shift while keeping costs in line and standards uncompromised.

Ready to lead a top-tier kitchen team?
Apply today and help us deliver an exceptional dining experience every service, every plate, every time.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person