Assistant Kitchen Manager (Novecientos Grados)
Position Title: Assistant Kitchen Manager
Reports To: Kitchen Manager
Department: Food & Beverage Operations
Status: Exempt
Date: May 2025
Salary: $75000 per year
Broad Functions: Supports the Kitchen Manager in executing daily kitchen operations with a commitment to operational excellence. Assists in implementing inventory systems and cost control measures to enhance profitability while ensuring consistent food quality. Helps supervise and develop kitchen staff to achieve performance standards. Supports the enforcement of health and safety protocols that exceed requirements, contributing to the operation's reputation for food safety and efficiency.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support the maintenance of excellent food quality by monitoring preparation standards that meet brand requirements and customer expectations.
- Assist in supervising kitchen staff to ensure consistent performance during assigned shifts.
- Monitor adherence to standardized recipes and portion controls to maintain food consistency and quality.
- Support the equipment maintenance program by conducting regular inspections and reporting issues promptly.
- Conduct quality checks throughout food production to help deliver exceptional dining experiences.
- Assist in menu development, portion standard implementation, and recipe documentation as directed by the Kitchen Manager.
- Help oversee daily purchasing and receiving activities to verify products meet specifications while supporting inventory control.
- Implement food cost control measures through daily inventory management and waste reduction initiatives.
- Uphold sanitation standards that exceed health department requirements during all shifts.
- Assist in inventory management by conducting counts, tracking usage, and helping forecast needs to ensure product freshness.
- Provide daily direction to kitchen team members through clear communication and accountability measures.
- Help deliver comprehensive training for new kitchen employees.
- Support the Kitchen Manager in performance management by documenting issues and recognizing strong performance.
- Conduct regular equipment safety training sessions for kitchen staff to prevent injuries.
- Reinforce food safety and sanitation practices among kitchen personnel through daily supervision.
- Maintain cleaning schedules for all kitchen areas and ensure staff compliance.
- Perform regular temperature monitoring and documentation throughout storage and preparation processes.
- Fill in at various kitchen positions as needed to maintain service excellence during peak periods.
- Coordinate between kitchen operations and service staff to support excellent guest experiences.
- Assist in implementing preventative maintenance schedules for kitchen equipment.
- Assume Kitchen Manager responsibilities in their absence.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Culinary studies preferred or minimum of High School diploma or its equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
- At least 2-3 years' experience in a supervisory kitchen role, such as Shift Leader or Lead Cook.
- Working knowledge of commercial kitchen operations required.
- Developing leadership skills with ability to build relationships with team members, guests, and vendors.
- Understanding of cost controls and quality standards in a food service environment.
- Ability to train and motivate staff effectively.
- ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety certification required.
- Proficiency in kitchen management systems and basic computer applications.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits:
We offer full-time eligible employees affordable medical insurance, dental and vision benefits, along with a variety of voluntary insurance options. Our benefits package includes company-sponsored life insurance, a free employee assistance program, competitive paid time off, company holidays, and a 401k retirement plan with company match. Plus, enjoy access to discount programs for travel and entertainment and a location meal program. In addition, this position is bonus eligible.
EEOC Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, or veteran status.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to stand for long periods of time, use hands and fingers, communicate verbally, and hear. The associate is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, taste, and smell. The associate is also occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and either lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.