What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kitchen Manager position at Behind The Scenes Catering & Events?
Kitchen Manager
BTS Hospitality Destiny Coast is a well-established hospitality company with over 35 years of experience in the restaurant, catering, and events industry. Based in San Diego, the company is known for its flexibility, creativity, and commitment to using only the freshest ingredients. Destiny Coast is La Jolla's premier coastal dining destination, celebrating the intersection of Mediterranean and Southern California cuisines under the leadership of Executive Chef Melissa Chickerneo and Chef de Cuisine Jordan Cole.
Position Overview:
The Kitchen Manager serves as the right hand to the Chef de Cuisine, overseeing daily kitchen operations while ensuring the highest standards of food quality, safety, and efficiency. This role is vital to maintaining our commitment to culinary excellence and supporting our philosophy of sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. The Kitchen Manager helps create a positive work environment that fosters creativity, professional growth, and operational excellence.
Essential Responsibilities:
Operations Management
- Assist the Chef de Cuisine in coordinating daily kitchen operations and workflow
- Manage production schedules and ensure timely execution of all menu items
- Oversee and optimize prep lists to maximize kitchen efficiency
- Implement and maintain food safety standards and sanitation protocols
- Conduct quality checks on dishes before they leave the kitchen
- Troubleshoot operational issues during service and implement solutions
Staff Development & Supervision
- Oversee line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers in daily operations
- Train new kitchen staff on stations, recipes, and procedures
- Provide constructive feedback and coaching to develop kitchen team
- Assist Chef de Cuisine in conducting performance evaluations
- Promote a positive kitchen culture that encourages teamwork and growth
Inventory & Cost Control
- Manage daily/weekly inventory levels
- Conduct weekly inventory counts and report to Chef de Cuisine
- Implement waste reduction initiatives and monitor food usage
- Assist in developing strategies to maintain target food costs
- Ensure proper portioning and consistent recipe execution
- Inspect deliveries for quality, quantity, and accuracy
Menu Support
- Assist Chef de Cuisine in menu development and seasonal changes
- Test and refine new recipes as directed
- Document recipes and ensure standardization across the kitchen
- Help develop daily specials that utilize seasonal ingredients
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 3 years of professional kitchen experience with at least 1 year in a supervisory role
- Strong knowledge of Mediterranean and California coastal cuisines
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Current ServSafe certification (or willing to obtain within 30 days)
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Proficiency with inventory management and ordering systems
- Experience with food cost control and budget management
Schedule and Availability:
- Must demonstrate scheduling flexibility
- Weekend and holiday availability required
- Ability to work varying shifts as business needs dictate
- Available for special events and seasonal promotions
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Capable of lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with varying temperatures
- Manual dexterity to operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
Compensation/Benefits Package:
- Pay: $23/hr. Gratuities
- Salary is paid on a twice monthly basis
- 401K with company matching
- Medical/Dental Benefits Package
- Monthly Permit (Parking expense) at UCSD provided by BTS, at no cost to employee
- 10 Days Paid vacation time annually
- 5 Days Paid sick time annually
The Kitchen Manager position adheres to the same standards of conduct, probationary period terms, and confidentiality agreements as outlined in the Chef de Cuisine position description. All materials produced for clients and the restaurant remain the sole property of BTS/Destiny Coast.
This position is an "at will" employee position and may be terminated at any time as determined necessary by the Chef de Cuisine, General Manager, or BTS President.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members can thrive.
Join us in our mission to create extraordinary dining experiences that celebrate the bounty of land and sea while honoring our commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence.
Salary : $23
