Assistant General Manager

Taste Buds Kitchen; Bannockburn (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Taste Buds Kitchen as an Assistant General Manager in our busy culinary events studio! You will play a key role in managing kitchen operations, prepping for classes, and engaging with guests of all ages in a fun, supportive environment. If you love food, organization, and teamwork, we would love to meet you!

Benefits

401(k)

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Free uniforms

Paid time off

Training & development

Qualifications

• 1-3 years experience in a management position.
• Ability to engage and teach guests cooking techniques.
• Access to a reliable vehicle for grocery errands.

Responsibilities

• Prep for classes and events including grocery shopping.
• Maintain an organized and clean kitchen.
• Lead or assist events and train new staff.

Skills

Time Management

Customer Service

Food Preparation

Leadership

Tech Savvy

Education

Food Handler Certified

Formal culinary education or equivalent experience

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Free uniforms
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Step into our culinary events studio where every day brings fresh food, friendly faces, and exciting hands-on experiences. Work hard, have fun, and help make the magic happen! If you have a passion for cooking, making connections with guests of all ages, and have the drive to keep our sparkling kitchen studio event-ready, we'd love to meet you.

About the Role:
We are looking for an uber organized, dependable and efficient Assistant General Manager to support the needs of our busy recreational cooking school. You will have the operational, customer service, and leadership skills to collaborate on the day-to-day with our General Manager. In this role, you’ll be the behind-the-scenes (and front-of-house!) hero who keeps our kitchen organized, stocked, clean, and ready for classes and private events. You’ll also lead or assist a minimum number of events each week.

This is a 40-hour/week, full-time position working a varied schedule that includes set in-kitchen hours during the week for tasks associated with prepping, shopping, receiving orders, and maintaining the kitchen and will include evening and weekend hours assisting or hosting during classes and events. As such, full availability is required Monday-Sunday, however, you will be guaranteed at least one full day off per week with a consistent goal of two days off in non-peak seasons.

What You'll Do:

• Prep for classes and events (thaw/cut proteins, make cupcakes/frosting, prep menu add-ons)
• Create grocery lists and run light shopping errands
• Submit, receive and manage food service and bulk event supply orders
• Maintain a spotless, organized, event-ready kitchen including regular deep cleaning and maintenance tasks
• Serve as the Lead Culinary Assistant - supporting the Culinary Instructor during a variety of cooking classes and private events
• Host select class types, as needed - engaging and teaching guests about various cooking/baking skills related to the class menu
• Train and mentor new part-time Assistants
• Act as an emergency substitute if an employee cannot attend their shift
• Help maintain our active social media presence with on-brand Instagram reels & Facebook posts
• Support the General Manager in a back-up role, covering the kitchen office phones/email to assist with client inquiries, as needed
• Tackle special projects, as needed

What We’re Looking For:

• A quick learner with strong attention to detail
• Able to prioritize and manage time effectively
• Comfortable with basic food prep and a range of cooking techniques. Formal culinary education or equivalent experience a plus.
• Savvy and efficient grocery shopper
• Tech-savvy - able to quickly navigate the online resources, apps, Google Sheets & more
• Friendly, upbeat, and comfortable interacting with guests of all ages (kids, families & adults)
• Experience working with people of all ages, preferably in an events business
• Demonstrated leadership skills; capable of training, mentoring and motivating staff
• Strong customer service skills
• 1-3 years experience in a management position
• Hard working and willing to roll up your sleeves
• Access to a reliable vehicle for grocery errands
• Able to pass a background check
• Food Handler Certified (or willing to complete)
• Able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 pounds
• Must enjoy the atmosphere of a small business

Evening, weekend and school holiday availability required.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive base salary plus earned gratuity
• 401K program
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Opportunity for growth and advancement
• Fun, supportive work environment where your contribution matters

You’ll be an essential part of a close-knit team that makes memorable culinary experiences for our guests. We value passion, teamwork, and creativity — and we love to promote from within!

Ready to bring your love of food and organization to a fun, growing team?
Apply now — we can't wait to meet you!