Assistant Kitchen Manager

Coma Coffee Roasters; Liberty (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Coma Coffee Roasters in Liberty, MO, is seeking an Assistant Kitchen Manager to oversee kitchen operations, ensure food quality, and mentor staff. You will partner with management to control costs, optimize efficiency, and foster a productive kitchen team focused on safety and consistency.

The role demands strong leadership, culinary knowledge, and a proactive mindset to maintain high standards during Thursday–Sunday shifts and a dynamic service environment.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in a kitchen leadership role (kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or similar).
• Strong culinary knowledge and understanding of food safety and kitchen operations.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and motivate a team; manage schedules and costs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations and ensure food quality and presentation meet standards.
• Lead, train, and manage kitchen staff to deliver high performance and morale.
• Manage inventory, ordering, waste, and food costs to minimize expenses.
• Maintain safe, sanitary, and compliant kitchen environment (ServSafe preferred).
• Develop efficient scheduling to optimize labor costs and productivity.
• Collaborate with front-of-house management for seamless service and communication.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development, and seasonal specials.

Skills

Team leadership

Training

Food safety

Cost control

Scheduling

Operations

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

As an Assistant Kitchen Manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, managing kitchen staff, and maintaining food safety standards. You’ll work closely with the management team to control costs, optimize efficiency, and create a great work environment for the kitchen crew. Job schedule will be Thursday through Sunday 3:00pm - 12:00am

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Training: Hire, train, and manage kitchen staff to ensure a high-performing team
• Food Quality & Consistency: Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation to meet restaurant standards
• Inventory & Ordering: Manage food costs, order supplies, and track inventory to minimize waste
• Kitchen Operations & Efficiency: Ensure a smooth, organized, and clean kitchen workflow
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations (ServSafe certification preferred)
• Scheduling & Labor Management: Develop efficient schedules to optimize labor costs while maintaining productivity
• Problem-Solving & Communication: Work closely with front-of-house management to ensure seamless service
• Menu Execution & Innovation: Assist with menu planning, new recipes, and seasonal specials

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience: 5 years experience as a kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or similar leadership role
• Culinary Knowledge: Strong understanding of cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations
• Leadership Skills: Ability to train, coach, and motivate a team
• Organization & Time Management: Able to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of food costs, labor costs, and budget management
• Problem-Solving Mindset: Quick thinker who can handle challenges during service