OysterLink Job Platform Launching Sept. 2024
The OysterLink Job Platform is Launching September 2024

Kitchen Manager Job Description

Use this job description for Kitchen Managers to identify, interview and hire qualified candidates for your establishment. If you’re an applicant, you can use this as a reference for your resume and other application materials, as well as a guide for this career path.

Employment of Kitchen Managers is expected to grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031, which is higher than the average growth rate for other occupations.

The duties of a Kitchen Manager differ from those of a restaurant manager, as they mainly include the supervision of back-of-house restaurant operations.

They must understand all aspects of kitchen work, customer service etiquette and have excellent organizational and leadership skills.

Managerial roles are hard to come by but rewarding to keep, both as an employer and an applicant. This job description for Kitchen Managers will provide valuable insights into the key requirements, benefits and duties of a Kitchen Manager.

A graphic showing how it would cost $2,000 to recruit and train a new hire into the restaurant business while it costs $15,000 to recruit a manager
[Source: Takeaway from the 2019 National Restaurant Association Show
by the National Restaurant Association]

Feel free to customize this template to fit your establishment’s requirements (as an employer) or your target company (as an applicant).

Job Description for Kitchen Managers

Kitchen Managers also handle menu planning, quality and cost control, staff and inventory management, compliance, continuous improvement and, most importantly, collaboration with front-of-house.

Duties of a Kitchen Manager

A standard job description for Kitchen Managers includes the following responsibilities:

  • Managing kitchen staff, including hiring, training and scheduling
  • Ordering and maintaining inventory of food, supplies and equipment
  • Creating menus and ensuring food quality and consistency
  • Organizing the kitchen budget and controlling costs
  • Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and sanitation standards
  • Overseeing kitchen operations to ensure efficiency and productivity
  • Collaborating with restaurant management and staff
  • Handling customer complaints related to kitchen operations
  • Implementing new policies and procedures to improve kitchen operations

The duties of a Kitchen Manager may differ depending on the establishment and its specific requirements.

Regardless of the differences, any job description for Kitchen Managers should highlight the importance of strong leadership, communication skills and a thorough understanding of kitchen operations.

Kitchen Manager Training & Education

Candidates applying for a Kitchen Manager position can have a background in various introductory roles, such as a Restaurant Server, Waitstaff and Host.

They can also be fresh graduates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in restaurant and other hospitality programs.

While there are no specific educational requirements to perform the duties of a Kitchen Manager, having formal education or training can be helpful.

These programs can provide knowledge on important topics such as food costs, industry basics and concepts, vendor negotiations and contracts and marketing.

Essential Skills & Qualifications for a Kitchen Manager

To perform the duties listed in this job description for Kitchen Managers effectively, you need a set of experience and skills, which include:

  • Experience in the restaurant industry, preferably in a kitchen or back-of-house role
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
  • Strong leadership and management skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with staff, customers and other restaurant managers
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize responsibilities effectively
  • Familiarity with inventory management and cost control techniques
  • Understanding of kitchen equipment and maintenance procedures
  • A degree or diploma in culinary arts, hospitality management or a related field is an advantage, but not always required

Related: How To Write a Job Description

How OysterLink Connects Restaurants With Top Talent 

Whether you’re a restaurant owner looking to hire new staff members or a job seeker in pursuit of a new career in hospitality, you can find everything you’re searching for with OysterLink.  

Our soon-to-be-available  hospitality platform connects restaurants with top talents in the bartending and serving industry. 

Sign up for early OysterLink membership and become part of a community focused on building relationships and matching quality talent with open positions for long-term success.