Kitchen Manager

Lloyd is a well-established hospitality company that has been serving the Buffalo community with a distinctive and enjoyable food experience since 2010. Over the past 15 years, Lloyd has grown into a beloved local brand known for its fresh, fun approach to dining, setting a high standard for quality and customer service in the region. With a strong commitment to fostering a people-first culture, Lloyd prioritizes its team members' growth and success while delivering exceptional food and service to its customers.

We are currently seeking a passionate and experienced Kitchen Manager to lead our North Buffalo location. This is a full-time, in-person role offering a competitive salary range of $62,000 to $72,000 per year, with the potential to earn up to 10% discretionary bonus based on performance. As a hands-on leadership position, the Kitchen Manager will be integral to the operational excellence and financial sustainability of the restaurant. The ideal candidate will live and embody the Lloyd Core Values, playing a key role in cultivating a positive, high-performing team environment.

As a Kitchen Manager at Lloyd, you will be the driving force behind the kitchen operations and your team’s success. You will lead with a personable and outgoing demeanor, balancing discipline and initiative, and demonstrating natural leadership abilities. This role demands someone who can motivate kitchen staff to achieve high standards of food preparation and service, coordinate various activities under pressure, and solve operational challenges creatively and effectively.

Your responsibilities will include strategic hiring and comprehensive employee training using proprietary guides to develop a skilled and cohesive team. You will also manage scheduling and staffing to ensure optimal coverage across all shifts, while continuously providing performance feedback and managing employee development and terminations if necessary. Financial oversight will be a significant part of the role, including managing food costs, controlling waste, overseeing payroll and labor expenses, and handling cash and bank deposits according to stringent procedures.

The Kitchen Manager will uphold rigorous food safety and quality standards through knowledge of ServSafe practices and a commitment to consistent order presentation. This role involves hands-on leadership, demonstrating cooking techniques, shadowing kitchen staff, and stepping in to resolve guest complaints as needed. Maintaining vendor relationships, managing equipment and facility standards, and coordinating deep cleans and inventory updates are additional duties crucial for maintaining operational excellence.

This position requires someone who is not only a strong leader but also a collaborative team player who thrives in a vibrant, fast-paced environment. Physical endurance and flexibility are essential due to the requirement to perform all kitchen line positions, handle dishes, and lift up to 45 pounds. A valid driver’s license with a clean record is necessary, as is availability for a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. Prior experience with Lloyd is preferred but not mandatory, provided you bring at least three years of culinary management experience and a proven ability to lead large teams effectively.

Joining Lloyd means becoming part of a company that values its employees and offers exceptional benefits that support work-life balance and career growth. Employees enjoy perks such as free Lloyd meals during shifts, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off including maternity and paternity leave, a 401K plan with company contributions, employee discounts, free uniforms, and festive holiday staff appreciation events. If you are a motivated culinary leader ready to embrace a rewarding managerial role in one of Buffalo’s favorite hospitality brands, Lloyd offers an exciting opportunity to grow your career and make a meaningful impact.