Kitchen Manager

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a well-established public regional university located in Northwest Indiana, with campuses in Hammond and Westville, including additional sites such as the Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso. PNW is committed to providing high-quality, student-centered education across a wide array of academic programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and applied doctoral levels. Known for its dedication to innovation, respect, and excellence, the university serves approximately 9,000 students and employs over 1,000 faculty and staff, contributing significantly to regional development and socioeconomic mobility. PNW is regularly recognized in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings and holds distinctions as a First Scholars institution and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University.

The Food and Beverage Services division at the Hammond campus is currently seeking an experienced and dynamic Kitchen Manager to join their team. This role, reporting directly to the Director of Food and Beverage/Executive Chef, plays a crucial part in maintaining smooth and efficient kitchen operations at The Pride Cafe and Alumni Hall Banquets. The Kitchen Manager is responsible for providing supportive leadership to kitchen staff, overseeing food preparation and production quality, and ensuring exemplary guest experiences. The core of this role involves managing the daily kitchen functions, assuring the quality, taste, and presentation of all food items, and supporting banquet operations and event coordination.

This position requires significant flexibility to adapt to the fluctuating demands of banquet schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The Kitchen Manager will also collaborate closely with front-of-house teams to maintain seamless service during peak periods. Food safety and sanitation are paramount, and the successful candidate must enforce rigorous standards to guarantee proper food handling, storage, and preparation temperatures. Additionally, the role involves inventory management, procurement planning, order placement, and the potential to assist other campus locations as needed.

The ideal candidate possesses a minimum of five years’ professional kitchen experience, preferably within commercial kitchen or institutional dining environments. Culinary education is preferred, though not mandatory, and familiarity with PNW Dining Services and menu management systems is advantageous. Strong leadership, multitasking abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for succeeding in this fast-paced environment.

Purdue University Northwest offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, life insurance, retirement contributions, paid vacation and holidays, and tuition remission. This exempt position underscores the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive work culture that values innovation, responsibility, and excellence in serving its diverse community.