Kitchen Manager/Head Chef
Position Summary
Aggieville Brewing Company is seeking an experienced, passionate Kitchen Manager to lead all back-of-house operations while helping shape the future of our food program. This is an opportunity for a culinary leader who wants more than just day-to-day kitchen management. We are looking for someone who brings creativity, leadership, and a desire to influence menu development, food quality, and the overall guest experience. The Kitchen Manager will oversee daily operations while working closely with ownership to drive innovation, improve systems, and continue building a food program that complements our craft beer and hospitality-driven culture.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Staff Management
- Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and ensure proper training of kitchen employees
- Schedule all back-of-house staff to ensure proper coverage while managing labor costs
- Supervise and develop kitchen employees through coaching, training, and performance management
- Conduct employee evaluations and provide ongoing feedback
- Address employee performance issues and administer disciplinary action when necessary
- Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment
- Ensure all employees follow company policies, procedures, and standards
Food Quality & Kitchen Operations
- Maintain consistent food quality, presentation, and portion standards
- Ensure all menu items are prepared according to recipes and specifications
- Monitor ticket times and kitchen efficiency during service
- Maintain organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness throughout the kitchen
- Lead by example by actively participating in kitchen operations when needed
- Work closely with ownership on menu development, seasonal features, and operational improvements
Inventory, Ordering & Cost Control
- Manage all food and kitchen supply ordering
- Maintain accurate inventory levels and par levels
- Conduct regular inventory counts and reporting
- Monitor food costs and identify opportunities to improve profitability
- Minimize waste through proper purchasing, storage, preparation, and portion control
- Ensure proper product rotation and inventory management procedures are followed
- Maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers
Financial Performance
- Manage labor budgets and scheduling efficiency
- Monitor and control food cost percentages
- Analyze kitchen performance metrics and identify opportunities for improvement
- Assist with budgeting and forecasting for kitchen operations
- Ensure purchasing decisions align with company financial goals
Food Safety & Compliance
- Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations
- Ensure all staff follow proper sanitation, storage, temperature control, and food handling procedures
- Lead health department inspections and maintain inspection readiness at all times
- Train staff on food safety and sanitation standards
- Maintain all required food safety certifications and documentation
Facility & Equipment Management
- Oversee kitchen cleanliness, maintenance, and organization
- Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules
- Coordinate repairs and maintenance with vendors and service providers
- Ensure proper operation and care of all kitchen equipment
- Maintain a safe working environment for all employees
Qualifications
Required
- 2+ years of restaurant kitchen management experience
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Experience with scheduling, inventory management, and food cost controls
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Proficiency with restaurant management and inventory systems
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands require
Preferred
- Experience in BBQ, brewpub, or high-volume casual dining and catering operations
- ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain)
- Experience with menu costing and recipe management
- Experience managing multiple kitchen shifts and large teams
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments
Success in This Role
The ideal Kitchen Manager will:
- Build and retain a strong kitchen team
- Deliver consistent food quality every day
- Maintain food and labor costs within budget goals
- Ensure a clean, safe, and organized kitchen operation
- Create accountability and professionalism throughout the kitchen
- Continuously improve systems, efficiency, and guest satisfaction
The ideal Kitchen Manager will build and retain a strong kitchen team, deliver consistent food quality, maintain food and labor costs within budget goals, and ensure a clean, safe, and organized operation. Beyond operational excellence, this role offers the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on our menu and culinary identity. We are seeking a leader who enjoys developing new ideas, contributing creative menu concepts, improving existing offerings, and helping guide the overall direction of the kitchen. This position is ideal for someone who takes pride in ownership, values continuous improvement, and wants the ability to influence both the guest experience and the long-term success of Aggieville Brewing Company.
Pay: $48,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
