Assistant Kitchen Manager

XO Taco; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Opportunities for growth

Employee dining perks and discounts

Job summary

XO Taco in Syracuse is looking for a motivated Assistant Kitchen Manager to support daily kitchen operations. This role emphasizes leadership in a fast-paced environment, focusing on food quality and team development.

The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of kitchen leadership experience and strong food safety knowledge. Compensation is competitive, and opportunities for growth within the company are available, alongside employee dining perks and discounts.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of kitchen leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to lead a team in a high-volume environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Kitchen Manager in overseeing all back-of-house operations.
• Ensure consistent execution of recipes and food quality standards.
• Support hiring, training, and coaching of kitchen staff.
• Maintain a clean and food-safe kitchen environment.
• Manage inventory and proper storage of all food and supplies.
• Monitor prep levels and ensure smooth service during peak hours.
• Foster a positive, team-oriented kitchen culture.

Skills

Kitchen leadership experience

Food safety knowledge

Team leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Inventory management

Cost control

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and hands‑on Assistant Kitchen Manager to support daily kitchen operations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, leads by example, and is passionate about food quality, team development, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Kitchen Manager in overseeing all back‑of‑house operations.
• Ensure consistent execution of recipes, plating, and food quality standards.
• Support hiring, training, and coaching of kitchen staff.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and food‑safe kitchen environment (following all health regulations).
• Manage inventory, ordering, and proper storage of all food and supplies.
• Monitor prep levels and ensure smooth service during peak hours.
• Help control food cost, waste, and labor efficiency.
• Step into leadership during service, including expediting and line support.
• Foster a positive, team‑oriented kitchen culture.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of kitchen leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to lead a team in a high‑volume environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Experience with inventory and cost control is a plus.
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Passion for hospitality and culinary excellence.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary (based on experience).
• Opportunities for growth within the XO and other Feast Coast Hospitality brands.
• A creative, energetic, and supportive work environment.
• Employee dining perks and discounts.
• The chance to be part of a growing and exciting concept in Syracuse.