Job Overview

briefcase

Employment Type

Full-time
moneybag

Compensation

Salary
Range $50,000.00 - $60,000.00
clock

Work Schedule

Standard Hours
diamond

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Professional Development
Paid holidays

Job Description

Mustard Seed Market & Cafe is a well-established natural and organic food market and cafe that has been dedicated to providing wholesome, real food made from natural ingredients since 1981. With a strong commitment to ingredient transparency, Mustard Seed Market offers a unique shopping and dining experience emphasizing healthy lifestyle choices for individuals and families. The company maintains a high standard of quality, sustainability, and community support, making it a trusted destination for those seeking nutritious and natural food options. Known for its welcoming environment and dedication to customer service, Mustard Seed Market & Cafe also fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace for its employees, encouraging professional growth and development.

The role of Kitchen Manager at Mustard Seed Market & Cafe is a vital leadership position responsible for overseeing all back-of-house culinary operations. This position requires hands-on management to ensure the consistent preparation and service of high-quality, natural meals that align with the company’s mission to enhance community health. The Kitchen Manager supervises line cooks, dishwashers, and indirectly supports kitchen stewards to maintain an efficient and harmonious kitchen environment. Responsibilities include maintaining strict food safety and sanitation standards, managing food and labor costs, and fostering team development through coaching, training, and mentoring. This role collaborates closely with the Human Resources department on recruitment, performance management, and staff development to support the cafe’s values of accountability, customer-centric service, and professional excellence.

In addition to operational oversight, the Kitchen Manager leads initiatives in culinary excellence by ensuring food quality, taste, appearance, and portions meet or exceed standards. The manager conducts staff training on vital culinary techniques and safety practices, manages scheduling and workflow to optimize service, and takes part in menu development aligned with customer preferences and dietary needs. Financial responsibilities include budgeting, analyzing profit and loss statements, controlling inventory, reducing waste, and strategic purchasing practices. Maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organized kitchen environment is paramount, including overseeing daily cleaning schedules, equipment maintenance, and compliance with OSHA and health regulations. The Kitchen Manager also partners with front-of-house teams, event coordinators, and senior management to facilitate special events, banquet services, and overall cafe growth.

This full-time position offers a salary range of $50,000 to $60,000 and provides an excellent opportunity for culinary professionals committed to health-focused food service and team leadership to advance their careers in a respected, values-driven company. Mustard Seed Market & Cafe values individuals who demonstrate resilience, customer focus, and a commitment to their core values, including integrity and excellence in all aspects of their work. The role is dynamic and requires the ability to perform in a fast-paced environment while fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture. This makes the Kitchen Manager not only a manager but a key ambassador of Mustard Seed Market's mission and values in enhancing healthy living and exceptional customer service in the natural foods industry.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Culinary degree or post-secondary culinary training preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years of culinary management experience with increasing responsibility
  • Proven experience in natural and organic food service preferred
  • Ability to manage and lead diverse teams in a fast-paced kitchen environment
  • Strong knowledge of food sanitation, OSHA, and health regulations
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, inventory and ordering systems, and basic kitchen technology
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Financial literacy including P and L analysis and budget planning
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for long periods
  • Reaching, bending, grasping, walking, reading, writing, and verbal communication
  • Use of commercial kitchen equipment including slicers, ovens, fryers, knives, and mixers

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Culinary degree or post-secondary culinary training preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years culinary management experience with increasing responsibility
  • Proven experience in natural and organic food service preferred
  • Ability to manage and lead diverse teams in fast-paced environments
  • Strong knowledge of food sanitation, OSHA, and health regulations
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, inventory and ordering systems
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Financial literacy including P and L analysis and budget planning

Job Duties

  • Direct, supervise, and motivate a high-performing kitchen team including line cooks and dish staff
  • Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative kitchen environment
  • Promote teamwork and accountability through coaching, training, and mentoring
  • Partner with Human Resources for recruitment, training, performance reviews, discipline, and terminations
  • Maintain excellence in food production from scratch using natural, organic, and whole food ingredients
  • Ensure food quality, taste, appearance, and portion standards are met
  • Train staff in safe food handling, allergen protocols, knife skills, cooking methods, and plating
  • Oversee kitchen scheduling and workflow
  • Develop and manage kitchen budgets, food and labor costs, and inventory
  • Interpret profit and loss statements and implement corrective actions
  • Maintain food cost controls through purchasing, inventory management, and waste reduction
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, local health codes, and sanitation policies
  • Lead training on food safety, chemical handling, equipment use, and safe lifting
  • Maintain clean and organized kitchen areas with accurate temperature controls and labeling
  • Support café growth by partnering with front-of-house
  • Collaborate on special events and banquets
  • Participate in menu development based on customer trends
  • Oversee cleanliness, record keeping, and equipment maintenance
  • Train staff in equipment issue reporting and tracking
  • Implement systems for organization and operational readiness

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


Job Location

Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.

We'll match you with best jobs

Get job offers faster

Business woman
Business man
Search For More Opportunities:

How Candidates Get Hired Faster

Apply to 2–3 similar roles

Complete profile & get best matches

Check new opportunities daily

Woman chef
Man chef