Multi-unit Kitchen Operations Manager
8 months ago
Wayne
Job Description Position Summary The Multi-unit Kitchen Operations Manager is a culinary leadership role responsible for supporting kitchen operations across three restaurant locations—two in Delaware and one in Pennsylvania. This individual provides hands-on leadership in food preparation, execution, menu quality, training, and daily kitchen oversight. The Kitchen Operations Manager ensures consistency in culinary standards, operational alignment, and overall guest experience while serving as a floating resource to support busy shifts, special events, high-volume periods, and operational gaps. Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership & Execution • Support daily kitchen operations across all restaurant locations, acting as Chef or Sous Chef when needed., • Maintain high standards of food quality, preparation, presentation, and consistency across diverse menu styles., • Uphold accuracy in recipes, portioning, and plating presentation., • Assist with menu development, seasonal rollouts, and execution of specials in collaboration with the Executive Chef., • Support culinary execution for private dining, special events, and programming with the Events Manager and Executive Chef. Staff Training & Development • Train hourly kitchen staff on core culinary skills, preparation techniques, station organization, and safety protocols., • Support onboarding and skill development for new hires across locations., • Coach team members to improve performance, efficiency, and adherence to standards., • Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and professionalism. Operational & Kitchen Management • Assist with inventory processes, ordering, receiving, and vendor partnerships as needed., • Monitor food costs, waste, portion control, and operational efficiency., • Ensure kitchen stations remain clean, organized, and properly stocked at all times., • Support menu transitions, weekly specials, and implementation of new culinary systems., • Lead service in the kitchen as needed during high-volume or understaffed periods. Compliance, Safety & Sanitation • Maintain strict compliance with health department regulations, sanitation standards, and food safety protocols., • Conduct routine kitchen inspections to ensure readiness, cleanliness, and organization., • Train staff on ServSafe practices and enforce adherence to safety and sanitation requirements., • Monitor equipment condition and report maintenance needs promptly. Cross-Location Support & Collaboration • Travel regularly between Delaware and Pennsylvania restaurants to provide hands-on operational support., • Collaborate with GMs, Sous Chefs, and the Executive Chef to identify needs, staffing gaps, and operational priorities., • Assist with new restaurant openings, kitchen transitions, and onboarding processes. Qualifications • 5+ years of culinary leadership experience (Sous Chef, CDC, or Kitchen Manager)., • Experience supporting or leading operations across multiple locations preferred., • Strong foundation in culinary technique, kitchen systems, and menu execution., • Demonstrated leadership ability with strong communication and training skills., • Ability to work in high-volume, fast-paced environments., • Strong organizational and time-management capabilities., • Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed., • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel frequently between restaurants., • ServSafe Manager certification required or obtainable within 60 days. Core Competencies • Culinary Expertise, • Leadership & Coaching, • Multi-Location Flexibility, • Operational Efficiency, • Quality & Consistency Focus, • Adaptability & Problem Solving, • Communication & Collaboration, • Safety & Sanitation Compliance Physical Requirements • Ability to stand for extended periods in a hot kitchen environment., • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., • Ability to travel regularly between locations.