Kitchen Manager

Atlanta, GA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Training and Development

performance bonuses

Job Description

Our establishment is a dedicated barbecue restaurant committed to delivering an unparalleled dining experience centered around authentic barbecue traditions and culinary excellence. Known for our dedication to quality, consistency, and hospitality, we pride ourselves on crafting delicious, smoked meats that honor time-tested methods and regional flavors. Our team works relentlessly to create an environment that embraces teamwork, respect, and pride in the craft. We operate in a fast-paced, high-volume casual dining environment where every dish served reflects the heart and soul of barbecue culture.

We are currently seeking a passionate and highly skilled BBQ Kitchen Manager to oversee the entire kitchen operations. This full-time role demands strong leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of barbecue preparation including smoking, grilling, and seasoning, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in food safety and quality control. The BBQ Kitchen Manager will be responsible for supervising the kitchen team, managing inventory and cost control, and ensuring that all dishes meet our strict guidelines for flavor, presentation, and portion consistency.

This managerial position plays a crucial role in coordinating with the Pitmaster and front-of-house teams to maintain smooth operational flow and to guarantee customer satisfaction from kitchen to table. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is dedicated to fostering a positive kitchen culture emphasizing teamwork, accountability, and ongoing development for all kitchen staff from prep cooks to experienced pit crew members. The role requires flexibility for evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, and involves working in a physically demanding setting near open flames and hot equipment. Candidates with culinary education or certification, ServSafe food safety certification, and prior experience managing a BBQ or high-volume kitchen will find opportunities for growth and impact here. We offer an immersive experience that honors BBQ traditions while focusing on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum 3-5 years of kitchen management or lead cook experience
Strong knowledge of smoking, grilling, and BBQ preparation methods
Ability to work in fast-paced, physically demanding kitchen environment
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
Excellent leadership and communication skills

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
Culinary degree or certification preferred
Minimum 3-5 years of kitchen management or lead cook experience
Experience preferably in a BBQ or high-volume casual dining environment
Strong knowledge of smoking, grilling, and other BBQ preparation methods
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment
Deep understanding of food safety, sanitation, and quality standards
ServSafe certification preferred
Financial acumen for food cost and labor management
Hands-on management style and passion for authentic BBQ and hospitality

Job Duties

Supervise all back-of-house operations including prep, cooking, plating, and cleaning
Ensure all BBQ meats are smoked, seasoned, and cooked to standard maintaining consistency in flavor, texture, and presentation
Monitor food safety, sanitation, and kitchen cleanliness according to local health codes and company policy
Maintain quality control over all menu items ensuring portion sizes, recipes, and plating guidelines are followed
Work closely with the Pitmaster to plan production schedules and ensure meat supply aligns with forecasted sales
Recruit, train, and manage kitchen staff including line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, and pit crew
Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive kitchen culture focused on teamwork and accountability
Schedule and assign tasks to ensure smooth, efficient operations during all shifts
Conduct regular staff meetings, coaching, and performance evaluations
Oversee ordering, receiving, and storage of meats, ingredients, and supplies
Track inventory and manage waste to maintain cost efficiency
Work with suppliers to secure high-quality meats, spices, and produce at the best prices
Monitor food and labor costs to achieve budget targets and profitability goals
Ensure all kitchen equipment and smokers are properly maintained and safe to operate
Oversee cleaning schedules and ensure all safety and sanitation procedures are followed
Maintain accurate logs for temperature checks, cleaning, and equipment maintenance
Enforce compliance with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations
Partner with the General Manager and front-of-house team to ensure smooth service flow and timely food delivery
Communicate daily production needs, prep lists, and special menu items to staff
Collaborate with management on new menu items, specials, and seasonal promotions
Support training for staff on BBQ knowledge including cuts of meat, smoking methods, and menu pairings