EXECUTIVE KITCHEN MANAGER / HEAD CHEF
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Compensation: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Time Off
Employee Meal Program
Growth Opportunities
BONUS PROGRAM
In addition to base salary, this position participates in a quarterly bonus program based on the overall performance of the business, creating additional earning potential for leaders who can drive operational excellence, team development, and business growth.
ABOUT HOGGY'S BBQ
Hoggy's BBQ is one of Columbus' most established independent restaurant brands. Following extensive renovations and operational improvements, we are entering an exciting new chapter focused on growth, menu innovation, hospitality, and catering expansion.
We are seeking an experienced Executive Kitchen Manager / Head Chef to lead all back-of-house operations and work directly with the CEO to continue building a best-in-class restaurant operation.
This position is ideal for a culinary professional who enjoys both hands-on execution and leadership. The successful candidate will have a major influence on food quality, kitchen systems, menu development, team development, catering operations, and overall business performance.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Kitchen Manager / Head Chef reports directly to ownership and is responsible for all back-of-house operations, including food production, catering preparation, inventory management, purchasing, food cost control, labor management, menu development, and team leadership.
This role requires a balance of culinary expertise, business acumen, and strong leadership skills. The successful candidate will be expected to drive operational excellence while maintaining high standards of quality and consistency.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, train, coach, and develop kitchen staff
- Create and maintain a positive, accountable team culture
- Manage staffing levels and scheduling
- Conduct performance coaching and ongoing training
- Hold team members accountable to standards of execution, cleanliness, and professionalism
Food Production & Quality
- Oversee daily food preparation and execution
- Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation standards
- Develop and maintain recipes, prep procedures, and kitchen systems
- Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
- Maintain high standards during both restaurant service and catering production
Catering & Production Management
- Coordinate production for catering and special events
- Manage prep schedules and labor allocation
- Ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment
- Assist in growing and improving catering operations
Inventory, Purchasing & Cost Control
- Place food and supply orders
- Manage vendor relationships
- Conduct regular inventory counts
- Monitor food usage, waste, and product yields
- Analyze and control food costs
- Develop systems that improve profitability and efficiency
- Monitor inventory variances and identify opportunities for improvement
Menu Development
- Collaborate directly with ownership on menu innovation
- Develop new menu items, features, and seasonal offerings
- Perform recipe costing and menu analysis
- Improve existing products and operational processes
- Assist in testing and launching new menu initiatives
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Minimum 3 years of kitchen management experience
- Experience leading and developing kitchen teams
- Strong knowledge of inventory management and purchasing
- Experience managing food costs and kitchen profitability
- Experience with high-volume food production
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Ability to lead by example in a fast-paced environment
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail
Preferred:
- Catering experience
- Menu development experience
- Experience with recipe costing and operational analysis
- ServSafe Certification or equivalent
- Experience managing prep systems and production planning
IDEAL CANDIDATE
You are:
- A strong leader who can build and develop teams
- Passionate about food quality and consistency
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Comfortable managing both people and financial performance
- Focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence
- Able to balance hands-on kitchen execution with leadership responsibilities
- Looking for a long-term leadership opportunity where your decisions directly impact the success of the business
WHY JOIN HOGGY'S?
- Report directly to ownership with no corporate layers or bureaucracy
- Have a meaningful influence on menu development and kitchen operations
- Help shape the future of an established Columbus restaurant brand
- Lead a growing catering operation with significant upside potential
- Participate in a quarterly bonus program tied to business performance
- Work in a recently renovated restaurant committed to long-term growth
This is an opportunity to work directly with ownership, influence the future direction of an iconic Columbus restaurant, and help lead the next phase of growth for Hoggy's BBQ.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Expected hours: 45-55 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Supplemental Pay:
Experience:
- Kitchen Management: 3 years (Required)
- Inventory Management: 2 years (Preferred)
- Food Cost Analysis: 2 years (Preferred)
- Catering Operations: 2 years (Preferred)
- Menu Development: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
