Kitchen Manager/Chef (Miss J's Diner)

Job Summary:

Miss J’s Diner is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and passionate Kitchen Manager/Chef to lead our back-of-house operations. This individual will be responsible for managing kitchen staff, maintaining food quality and consistency, overseeing inventory and ordering, and ensuring a safe and efficient kitchen environment. We serve classic diner fare with a focus on comfort, speed, and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Kitchen Leadership:
• Supervise, train, and schedule kitchen staff.
• Lead by example to foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Ensure consistent execution of menu items according to recipes and presentation standards.
• Food Preparation & Quality Control:
• Oversee preparation, cooking, and plating of all dishes.
• Monitor food quality, portion sizes, and kitchen efficiency.
• Create daily specials and assist in menu development when needed.
• Inventory & Cost Control:
• Manage inventory levels and place orders with suppliers.
• Control food costs by minimizing waste and optimizing portion sizes.
• Maintain proper storage and rotation of ingredients (FIFO method).
• Health & Safety:
• Ensure kitchen operates in compliance with all local health and safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen at all times.
• Conduct regular equipment maintenance checks and schedule repairs as needed.
• Administrative:
• Keep accurate records of food usage, waste, and labor.
• Work with the front-of-house and ownership team to improve operations and guest satisfaction.
• Handle staff scheduling and performance evaluations.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager or Head Chef (2+ years preferred).
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and diner-style cuisine.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks.
• ServSafe or other food safety certification preferred.
• Flexibility to work weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays as required.