Kitchen Manager
hace 6 días
North Aurora
Job DescriptionBenefits: • 401(k) matching, • Employee discounts, • Flexible schedule Were a family-owned New Yorkstyle pizzeria & craft bar in North Aurora, focused on high-quality pizza, clean execution, and a great guest experience. We run a tight shop: simple in concept, serious about standards. Why Join Us? This is a chance to take ownership of the entire back of house and build a kitchen that runs clean, fast, consistent, and professional every day. Were looking for an ultra-reliable leader who sets the tone, holds the line on standards, and takes pride in running a strong team. Were willing to pay competitively for proven kitchen leadership and consistency. Role Overview As our Kitchen Manager, youll lead and rebuild the BOH operationhiring/training, prep systems, line execution, food safety, cleanliness, and communication with FOH/bar to keep service moving. This position will start hourly and is expected to transition to salary once the kitchen is fully stabilized and performance goals are met. Core Responsibilities Leadership & Staffing • Lead the BOH team (prep/line/dish) with clear expectations and steady accountability, • Hire, train, coach, and retain a professional, dependable kitchen staff, • Create station readiness and prep systems so every shift runs the same, • Support scheduling/coverage and manage call-outs with minimal disruption Execution & Quality • Ensure consistent pizza execution (dough handling, builds, bakes, ticket accuracy, speed), • Maintain recipe standards, portion control, and packaging consistency for takeout/delivery, • Run line checks, prep priorities, and service pacing to hit strong ticket times Systems, Inventory, and Cost Control • Own ordering, receiving, rotation, storage organization, pars, and waste control, • Maintain clean labeling, FIFO, and inventory discipline, • Work with management to keep food cost tight without compromising quality Sanitation, Food Safety, and Standards • Enforce food safety daily: temps, logs, labeling, cleaning schedules, inspection readiness, • Keep BOH exceptionally clean and organized (line, prep, walk-in, dish, storage), • Identify equipment issues early and coordinate quick fixes to protect service Communication • Be the BOH point person during servicecalm, direct, solutions-focused, • Communicate clearly with FOH/bar to keep flow, timing, and accuracy on track Qualifications Required • CFPM certification (required), • 25+ years of BOH experience with at least 1 year of leadership (KM, Sous, Lead Cook, Supervisor), • Strong knowledge of kitchen operations: prep systems, sanitation, ordering/inventory, team training, • Proven reliability and consistent performance in a fast-paced environment, • Comfortable working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed, • Able to stand for long shifts and handle physical kitchen demands Preferred • NY-style pizza experience (dough, bakes, high-volume execution), • Additional certifications (ServSafe Manager, allergen training, etc.), • Experience stabilizing or rebuilding a BOH team and systems What We Offer • Competitive hourly pay to start (based on experience), • Clear path to salary after kitchen performance and stability goals are met, • Staff meals + employee discounts, • The chance to truly own and elevate the BOH with management support, • A stable, family-run environment that values standards, cleanliness, and reliability To Apply Send your resume (or work history) and a brief note including: • Your BOH leadership experience (team size + volume), • Your pizza experience (if any), • Your availability (especially nights/weekends), • Confirmation you hold CFPM