Kitchen Manager

Location: Boonton, NJ

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Kitchen Manager to oversee daily kitchen operations for a growing barbecue and smoked-meats restaurant. This individual will be responsible for managing food preparation, maintaining consistent quality, controlling costs, and leading a strong back-of-house team.

The ideal candidate has a passion for barbecue, smoked meats, and scratch cooking, along with the leadership skills needed to run an organized, efficient, and high-quality kitchen.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, production, and execution.
• Manage and develop the back-of-house team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Oversee smoking, preparation, and cooking processes to ensure consistent food quality and proper execution.
• Maintain recipes, portion controls, presentation standards, and product consistency.
• Manage food costs, inventory, ordering, receiving, and vendor relationships.
• Monitor kitchen labor and productivity while maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
• Ensure proper food storage, temperature controls, sanitation, and compliance with health department regulations.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organization, and kitchen safety.
• Monitor food quality and freshness while minimizing waste and controlling product costs.
• Coordinate kitchen workflow to ensure timely and accurate food execution during busy service periods.
• Work closely with restaurant leadership to improve kitchen efficiency and overall performance.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented kitchen culture focused on accountability and consistency.

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of kitchen management or leadership experience in a restaurant environment.
• Experience with barbecue, smoked meats, grilling, or scratch cooking strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of food preparation, production, cooking techniques, and kitchen operations.
• Experience managing food costs, inventory, ordering, and labor controls.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop a back-of-house team.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on leadership style with a strong attention to detail and food quality.

What We're Looking For:

A motivated kitchen leader who takes pride in quality food, consistency, and team development. Someone who understands the importance of proper preparation, efficient kitchen systems, and maintaining high standards while creating a positive and productive work environment.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.