Kitchen Manager

Job Title: Kitchen Manager

Location: Oakland CA Reports To: General Manager / Operations Manager Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Job Summary

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations to ensure food quality, consistency, safety, and efficiency. This role leads kitchen staff, enforces food safety and sanitation standards, manages inventory and food costs, and supports a respectful, compliant workplace in accordance with California labor laws. Compensation: This position offers a starting base wage of $20.00 per hour, with average total earnings of approximately $24.00 per hour, including tip distribution. Tip income is variable and not guaranteed, and may fluctuate based on sales volume and shift performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

Oversee daily food preparation and production to ensure quality, consistency, and timely service

Ensure all food is prepared in compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations

Maintain recipe, portion, and presentation standards

Team Leadership

Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen employees

Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management in accordance with company policy

Foster a professional, inclusive, and respectful work environment

Address employee concerns promptly and escalate when appropriate

Inventory & Cost Control

Manage food ordering, inventory levels, and proper storage procedures

Monitor food waste and support cost-control initiatives

Ensure accurate receiving, labeling, rotation, and storage of products

Compliance & Safety

Enforce compliance with Cal/OSHA, health department, and food safety requirements

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment

Prepare for and participate in health inspections and audits

Communication & Collaboration

Communicate effectively with front-of-house and management teams

Support menu updates, operational changes, and catering needs as required

Qualifications

Minimum 2 years of kitchen management or lead kitchen experience

Working knowledge of California food safety and sanitation standards

Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities

Food Safety Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) preferred

Physical & Work Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time

Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40 pounds

Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment

Work Schedule

Schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Weekends Required