Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Overview

Opportunity | High-Volume Buffet | Orange Beach, Alabama. This is a rare opportunity to join the opening culinary leadership team and help establish the standards, systems, and culture of a brand-new high-volume buffet restaurant.

Position Summary:

The Kitchen Manager / Head Chef oversees all kitchen operations and food production while working closely with the General Manager to ensure operational and financial alignment. This role blends hands-on culinary leadership with team development and systems execution, with a strong focus on consistency, cost control, and buffet efficiency.

• Lead the kitchen team to deliver high-quality, flavorful, and visually appealing buffet offerings
• Execute menu and buffet offerings with a strong focus on yield, waste reduction, and food cost control
• Oversee buffet setup, rotation, and presentation to maintain excellence
• Hire, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability
• Build and lead a high-performing team capable of executing large-scale buffet service
• Manage inventory, monitor food cost, and optimize kitchen workflows
• Ensure proper food storage, handling, and rotation practices
• Maintain kitchen equipment and oversee maintenance schedules
• Ensure strict adherence to health, sanitation, and food safety standards
• Lead pre-opening kitchen planning, setup, and training programs
• Establish culinary systems and standards for long-term operational success

• 5+ years culinary experience, including high-volume or buffet kitchen leadership
• Strong hands-on culinary skills with buffet or seafood experience preferred
• Experience managing inventory, food cost, and kitchen operations
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop a culinary team
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

• Ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds for extended periods
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance-based bonus potential
• Opportunity to shape the culinary vision and build a team from day one
• Career growth opportunities as the concept expands