Job Title: Kitchen Manager / Head Cook
- Job Type: Full-time in Belleville, Illinois
- Salary: $47,000 – $52,000 per year (Based on experience) + Monthly & Quarterly Team Bonus Program
Job Summary
Are you an energetic culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment? We are seeking a hands-on Kitchen Manager / Head Cook to lead our back-of-house team. This is a unique opportunity to run a high-volume restaurant inside a premier Entertainment Center featuring laser tag, movie theaters, go-karts, bowling, and a multi-level sports bar; in addition to a banquet/party room.
In this role, you will work closely with our Restaurant Manager and Management Team to deliver high-quality food for our full-service restaurant, busy bars, and large-scale birthday and banquet events. If you love thinking outside the box and bringing high energy to your work, we want to hear from you!
Core Responsibilities
Hands-On Culinary Execution
- Line Operations: Work the line daily, demonstrating excellence in prep work, cooking, expediting, and presentation.
- Menu Execution: Master and oversee the production of high-volume favorites, including pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and event catering.
- Quality Control: Taste, smell, and visually inspect dishes to ensure correct portions, textures, garnishes, and flavors.
- Kitchen Support: Lead by example and jump into any station—including dishwashing—during peak hours to maintain ticket times.
Team Leadership & Management
- Talent Development: Recruit, hire, onboard, and train back-of-house employees at all levels.
- Performance Management: Coach, counsel, inspire and discipline staff while conducting regular performance appraisals.
- Task Delegation: Multi-task effectively to delegate duties, ensuring fast service without sacrificing food quality.
- Safety & Compliance: Implement and enforce state, and local sanitation rules, including holding Food Handlers and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certificates.
Administration & Operations
- Inventory Control: Assess, maintain, and conduct full weekly inventory audits to minimize waste and manage food costs.
- Equipment Care: Schedule and oversee regular maintenance and emergency repairs on all kitchen appliances.
- Professional Growth: Stay current on industry trends by attending workshops and reviewing professional culinary publications.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: 3+ years of culinary experience AND 2+ years of restaurant management experience.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Certifications: Food Safety/Sanitation Management certification required. First Aid/CPR/Heimlich certification is a plus.
- Skills: Outstanding teamwork, guest service, strategic planning, and crisis management skills.
- Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Compensation & Perks
- Competitive base salary ($47,000 - $52,000), based on experience & qualifications
- Performance-based monthly and quarterly team bonus program
- Medical Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Program with Company Match
- Paid Vacation
· Free Employee meal per shift
· Free Movies, Laser Tag & Go-Karts
Schedule and Physical Requirements
· Must be available to work varied shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a kitchen environment.
· Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 50 pounds as needed.
· Ability to work around hot equipment, sharp tools, cold storage areas, and cleaning chemicals while following safety procedures.
Skills
- Extensive culinary experience with a strong background in fine dining, catering, or restaurant management.
- Proven supervising experience with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
- Knowledge of food safety protocols, sanitizing procedures, and proper food handling practices.
- Experience in banquet service, food service management, and inventory control systems.
- Skilled in menu planning, cost control, and managing kitchen budgets effectively.
- Excellent leadership qualities combined with strong communication skills to foster teamwork and collaboration.
- Ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining high standards of food quality and service excellence.
Join us and bring your culinary expertise into a lively environment where innovation meets hospitality!
Pay: $47,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
