Kitchen Manager

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
flexible spending accounts
401k
Paid Time Off
Excellent dining benefits

Job Description

Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG), owned by Mike Cunningham since 1997, has grown from its humble beginnings in Brownsburg, Indiana, into a prominent tri-state restaurant group known for its innovation and commitment to community impact. With forty restaurants spanning eighteen distinct concepts, CRG has established itself as a leader in the dining industry by consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences. The company’s steady expansion is fueled by a passion for culinary excellence, sustainable growth, and fostering connections within the communities it serves. The restaurant group prides itself on maintaining the highest standards in food quality and customer service while promoting a positive work environment that supports professional development and inclusivity.

As a Kitchen Manager at Cunningham Restaurant Group, you will take on a key leadership role within the culinary team, responsible for supervising and managing all kitchen operations across the restaurants under your purview. This position is designed for an experienced culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced restaurant environment and is dedicated to upholding CRG’s vision of innovative dining experiences. The Kitchen Manager will lead a talented team of chefs and kitchen staff, orchestrating daily kitchen activities to ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, and safety. This role requires a balance of creative culinary skills and operational efficiency, as you will be directly involved in menu development, cost management, inventory control, and staff training.

The Kitchen Manager plays an essential role in translating the company’s culinary vision into reality by actively contributing to menu design, adapting dishes to meet seasonal trends, and ensuring that each restaurant concept's uniqueness is reflected in the food offerings. Alongside managing food preparation and portion control, the Kitchen Manager must maintain rigorous quality assurance standards that align with CRG’s reputation. Managing kitchen operations includes overseeing inventory to minimize waste, implementing cost-control strategies, and adhering to health and safety regulations to maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment.

Collaborating with the management team, the Kitchen Manager sets financial targets and monitors budget adherence through precise cost tracking and pricing adjustments. This leadership position is fundamental to nurturing a motivated and well-trained kitchen team, achieved by recruiting, coaching, conducting performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative work culture. CRG values its employees and offers competitive compensation coupled with opportunities for career advancement within the expanding group of restaurants.

The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, excellent problem-solving abilities, and have prior experience in kitchen or restaurant management. A culinary degree or equivalent training is preferred, along with knowledge of food safety and sanitation certifications. Physical stamina and flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends, are necessary to succeed in this dynamic role. If you are passionate about culinary arts and leading teams to deliver memorable dining experiences, Cunningham Restaurant Group invites you to join its vibrant and growing team.

Job Requirements

  • flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • mobility to move about the kitchen as necessary
  • ability to lift and carry heavy objects, i.e. pots, pans, kitchen equipment
  • attention to detail and accuracy is essential

Job Qualifications

  • proven experience as a kitchen manager or similar role in a restaurant environment
  • culinary degree or equivalent training preferred
  • strong leadership and team-building skills
  • excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities
  • knowledge of food cost control and budget management
  • food safety and sanitation certification is preferred

Job Duties

  • develop and maintain a culinary vision and strategy for each restaurant concept within the company
  • create and update menus ensuring they are on-trend, seasonally relevant, and aligned with each concept's theme and target audience
  • recruit, train, and supervise kitchen staff fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
  • set clear performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback for improvement
  • uphold the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation in all restaurants
  • oversee the food preparation process including quality control, portioning, and plating
  • manage kitchen operations efficiently including inventory management, cost control, and wastage reduction
  • ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain a clean and organized kitchen
  • collaborate with the company's management team to set and achieve budget and financial targets
  • monitor food costs, purchasing, and pricing strategies to maximize profitability

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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