Head Cook / Kitchen Manager
Craft836 Canteen – Watertown, NY
Pay
$19.00 - $25.00 per hour
Pay is based on experience, references, leadership ability, and culinary skill.
About Us
Craft836 Canteen is a locally owned fast-casual restaurant and full-service bar located in Watertown, NY. We pride ourselves on offering scratch-made food, creative menu concepts, and a dining experience that stands apart from the ordinary.
Unlike many restaurants, we encourage creativity and input from our culinary team. The right candidate will have opportunities to develop specials, influence menu direction, train staff, and help shape the future of the kitchen.
What We Offer
- Growth and advancement opportunities
- Food provided during shifts
- Creative input on menu development
- Relaxed but professional atmosphere
- On-the-job training and development
- Safe work environment
- Casual work attire
- Team-focused culture
- Regular staff events and social gatherings
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Head Cook / Kitchen Manager to lead kitchen operations and serve as the primary cook during service.
This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who can confidently run a kitchen, lead a team, maintain standards, and take pride in producing high-quality food. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, creative, and capable of managing both people and production while maintaining a positive kitchen culture.
This position is intended for someone ready to take ownership of kitchen operations and become a key leader within the business.
Responsibilities Culinary Operations
- Execute all menu items according to established recipes and standards
- Lead kitchen operations during service
- Ensure proper food preparation, cooking techniques, and presentation
- Develop daily, weekly, and seasonal specials
- Assist with menu development and new product creation
- Maintain consistency and quality in every dish leaving the kitchen
Leadership & Team Development
- Train and mentor kitchen staff
- Set expectations and hold team members accountable
- Foster teamwork, communication, and professionalism
- Assist with scheduling and shift organization
- Lead by example through work ethic and attitude
Inventory & Organization
- Maintain inventory levels and product quality
- Receive and organize deliveries
- Rotate stock using FIFO procedures
- Monitor waste and product usage
- Assist with ordering and inventory management
Sanitation & Safety
- Ensure compliance with all health department regulations
- Maintain a clean and organized kitchen
- Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules
- Participate in deep cleaning projects
- Enforce food safety and sanitation standards
Qualifications Required
- 6+ years of line cook experience
- Previous leadership, supervisory, or kitchen management experience
- Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure
- Reliable transportation and attendance
- Strong communication and organizational skills
Preferred
- Experience creating specials and menu items
- Inventory and ordering experience
- Experience training staff
- ServSafe Certification
Schedule & Availability
Kitchen service hours are:
- Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday Brunch: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Monday and Tuesday are currently closed.
Expected Hours: 35–45 hours per week.
While the kitchen is open approximately 35 hours per week for service, this leadership position includes additional responsibilities such as prep work, inventory management, ordering, scheduling assistance, menu development, training, deep cleaning projects, and overall kitchen organization.
Applicants must be available to work evenings, weekends, and Sunday brunch shifts.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will be:
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Creative and willing to contribute ideas
- Solution-oriented and adaptable
- Organized and detail-focused
- Calm under pressure
- A strong leader who earns respect through actions
- Committed to building a positive kitchen culture
If you are passionate about food, leadership, and helping build something special, we would love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $19.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Food provided
- Paid time off
Shift:
Experience:
- Cooking: 6 years (Required)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Watertown, NY 13601 (Required)
Work Location: In person
