Kitchen Manager Job Description Template for Job Postings
Kitchen Managers are responsible for all kitchen or back-of-house restaurant operations. They also streamline kitchen procedures, from inventory to food preparation.
Establishments hire Kitchen Managers to ensure that the kitchen operates efficiently and effectively, all while following the highest food quality, sanitation and safety standards.
Our Kitchen Manager job description template below gives an overview of the usual responsibilities, skills and qualifications required. Feel free to use it for your own job posting.
Kitchen Manager Job Description Example
Download this template in PDF or Word format and customize it to your specific needs.
Job Overview
We at [Restaurant Name] are looking for a Kitchen Manager with supervisory experience in a high-volume kitchen to lead our daily operations.
You will also be responsible for guiding our kitchen staff to ensure a first-class culinary experience.
- Salary: $60,000–$68,000 per year
- Required experience: Minimum of four years of kitchen experience, with two years in a supervisory role
- Required education: A degree or diploma from a culinary school, or a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related field
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Employee discounts
- Free shift meals
- Employee assistance programs
- Career growth opportunities
- Flexible spending accounts
- Member incentives and performance-based bonuses
Responsibilities:
- Ensure collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house operation and restaurant management
- Lead kitchen team member hiring and training
- Manage kitchen staff, including scheduling, task delegation and performance evaluation
- Prepare monthly cost reports and maintain kitchen inventory
- Implement and enforce kitchen procedures and policies that uphold health and safety regulations
- Monitor the quality of all food orders and observe food preparation best practices
Qualifications:
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Proficiency in kitchen equipment operation and troubleshooting
- Understanding of food prep operations, inventory management and ordering processes
- A passion for assembling and training the best kitchen team
- General knowledge of health codes and safety regulations
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What To Include in Kitchen Manager Responsibilities
Keep in mind that depending on your establishment, the work scope of a Kitchen Manager may differ.
Regardless of the differences, a standard Kitchen Manager job description can include responsibilities like overseeing the entire kitchen staff — from recruitment and training to scheduling and performance management.
They are also expected to maintain an adequate inventory of food, supplies and equipment by ordering and supervising their usage.
To ensure a high standard of food quality and consistency, they may also be in charge of monitoring the preparation and presentation of dishes. Additionally, they would be tasked with managing the kitchen budget, controlling costs and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
As part of kitchen leadership, they should also foster a collaborative environment by working closely with restaurant management, front-of-house operations and other staff.
Finally, Kitchen Managers might need to address customer complaints related to kitchen operations. They should then implement new policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and productivity within the kitchen.
What Should Kitchen Managers Be In Charge Of?
This short video highlights what restaurant owners should expect from their kitchen leadership, which may be headed by the Kitchen Manager.
Skills To Look for in Kitchen Manager Candidates
To help potential candidates assess their suitability, this section should cover what skills you’re looking for in a Kitchen Manager.
For starters, a Kitchen Manager candidate must have a comprehensive understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations, as well as standard labor laws. This knowledge is important to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.
Strong leadership and management skills are also necessary to effectively oversee and motivate the staff, as well as maintain discipline in the kitchen.
Excellent communication skills are another vital asset for a Kitchen Manager. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, customers and other managers is crucial for maintaining positive relationships and resolving any issues that may arise.
Moreover, the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities is essential in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
Equipment That Kitchen Managers Should Know About
When writing your Kitchen Manager job description, you might also want to specify that applicants must how to properly use and maintain kitchen equipment. After all, the Kitchen Manager will be the one creating or updating food safety and sanitation protocols, which involve equipment usage.
Below are some kitchen equipment commonly found in restaurants.
Things To Consider for Kitchen Manager Experience Requirements
As the Kitchen Manager role is not an entry-level job, experience is a typical requirement in any job opening.
The experience required for a Kitchen Manager candidate can vary depending on the size and complexity of the restaurant, as well as the specific requirements of the role. But in general, it’s recommended to find candidates with a specific number of years of experience in a supervisory or managerial position within a kitchen environment. For example:
- Minimum of five years of kitchen experience, with two years in a supervisory role
- Minimum of three years in kitchen management for a high-volume restaurant
Also look for candidates with experience in a variety of kitchen settings, such as fine dining, fast-casual or high-volume restaurants. This will show they have a broader range of skills and knowledge to bring to the role.
Kitchen Manager Education and Certifications
A high school diploma or equivalent is a minimum requirement for the Kitchen Manager role, but candidates with a degree or diploma from a culinary school can demonstrate a strong commitment to the culinary arts and specialized knowledge in food preparation and techniques.
Specify the education level and certifications you want candidates to have, and differentiate between “required” and “preferred.” Some certifications you should look for can include HACCP, Food Protection Certificate, etc.
Additionally, a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management or a related field can provide a broader understanding of the restaurant industry.
But remember that while education and certifications are important, a candidate’s experience is more valuable, as these can certainly give your kitchen an edge once they join your team.
Kitchen Manager Salary Expectations
A Kitchen Manager in the U.S. can expect to earn an average salary of $56,460 per year or $27.14 per hour. Because this is a back-of-house management role, it is very unlikely that a Kitchen Manager will receive tips.
Still unsure about what salary estimate or range you should indicate in your Kitchen manager job description? Head to our Kitchen Manager salary overview for more insights.
Kitchen Manager Job Description FAQs
While the terms Kitchen Manager and Head Chef are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct roles within the culinary industry.
The Head Chef is primarily responsible for the creative aspects of food preparation, while the Kitchen Manager oversees the overall operations of the kitchen.
In smaller establishments, these roles might be combined, especially when the kitchen staff is relatively small. However, larger restaurants or culinary institutions often lean toward separating these roles.
No, Kitchen Managers don’t have to be Chefs. While culinary experience can certainly be beneficial, it is not a strict requirement for the role.
The most important qualifications for a Kitchen Manager are the ability to lead, manage and ensure the smooth functioning of the kitchen, regardless of their specific culinary expertise.
However, if you do require or highly prefer candidates who were previously Chefs then you should specify that in your Kitchen Manager job description.
Whether or not you need to hire a Kitchen Manager depends on the size and complexity of your restaurant. For small, independently-owned restaurants with a limited menu and staff, the owner or a senior Chef might be able to effectively manage kitchen operations.
However, as your restaurant grows and becomes more complex, the responsibilities and workload can become overwhelming and you might need to hire a Kitchen Manager.
Here are some job description samples similar to the role of Kitchen Manager:
Expert Reviewer Milos Eric thoroughly evaluated this job description guide to ensure clarity, reliability and comprehensiveness in each section. These job description sections include an accurate job title, lists of job responsibilities and requirements and information about salary and benefits.
With over a decade of experience as an entrepreneur and business executive, Milos is the Co-Founder and General Manager of OysterLink. He has also led and hired more than 500 employees for global companies like DesignRush and Digital Silk.
Not to mention, he is recognized as a Top Voice for Leadership, Recruitment and Recruitment Management on LinkedIn.