Assistant Kitchen Manager - Craft Tampa

Manthey Hospitality; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Parking benefits

Free tickets

Discounted tickets

Professional growth

Job summary

Craft Tampa, Manthey Hospitality, seeks an Assistant Kitchen Manager to support the Kitchen Manager on our open-kitchen vessel in downtown Tampa. You’ll lead the line, supervise the culinary team, and ensure prep, station readiness, and service flow for brunch, lunch, dinner, and special cruises.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of culinary leadership in high-volume settings, strong communication, cost controls, inventory, and the ability to train staff on a moving vessel.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of culinary leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in high-volume food service or hospitality; upscale plated-service experience is a plus.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Basic knowledge of food cost controls, inventory management, and scheduling practices.
• ServSafe Manager Certification preferred, or ability to obtain.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Ability to work in a compact, fast-paced, open concept, onboard kitchen.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain standing for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Support daily kitchen operations, including prep, station setup, service, and closing.
• Lead by example on the line and help supervise, coach, and train culinary team members.
• Confirm prep levels, ingredients, and supplies are ready for each scheduled cruise.
• Execute established recipes and plating standards with consistent quality, portions, and timing.
• Coordinate ticket flow and course timing with front-of-house leadership; communicate special requests and dietary needs clearly.
• Assist with staffing coverage and labor efficiency based on cruise schedules and guest counts.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory, proper storage, and FIFO product rotation.
• Help control food costs and waste through accurate prep, portioning, and product handling.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and a clean, organized open kitchen.
• Follow vessel safety procedures and coordinate with onboard leadership as needed.
• Support onboarding and build a professional kitchen culture grounded in teamwork and accountability.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Food cost controls

Inventory management

Scheduling practices

Open kitchen onboard experience

Job description

Assistant Kitchen Manager – Craft Tampa

Tampa, FL | Full-Time | Bonus Eligible | Generous Benefits

Craft an Experience Unlike Any Other

At Craft Tampa, we're redefining waterfront dining. Our elegant 121-foot European-inspired dining vessel offers guests an elevated brunch and dinner experience while cruising through the heart of downtown Tampa.

Docked adjacent to Sparkman Wharf, Craft features an open-concept kitchen and a chef-curated modern American menu served against the backdrop of Tampa's beautiful waterways. As the first dining vessel in the United States with an open kitchen concept, and the only one cooking with gas equipment, Craft delivers an unforgettable culinary experience for both our guests and our crew.

Come Aboard!

This is a hands‑on leadership position supporting the Kitchen Manager and culinary leadership in daily back‑of‑house operations. You’ll work alongside the team during service, help prepare the kitchen for each departure, and maintain quality and consistency throughout brunch, lunch, dinner, and special‑event cruises.

Success aboard Craft requires thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and the ability to execute within a scheduled cruise. You’ll help ensure the team has the ingredients, supplies, and station readiness needed before guests’ board, then coordinate with front‑of‑house leadership to keep service running smoothly.

What You Will Do

• Support daily kitchen operations, including prep, station setup, service, and closing.
• Lead by example on the line and help supervise, coach, and train culinary team members.
• Confirm prep levels, ingredients, and supplies are ready for each scheduled cruise.
• Execute established recipes and plating standards with consistent quality, portions, and timing.
• Coordinate ticket flow and course timing with front‑of‑house leadership; communicate special requests and dietary needs clearly.
• Assist with staffing coverage and labor efficiency based on cruise schedules and guest counts.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory, proper storage, and FIFO product rotation.
• Help control food costs and waste through accurate prep, portioning, and product handling.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and a clean, organized open kitchen.
• Follow vessel safety procedures and coordinate with onboard leadership as needed.
• Support onboarding and build a professional kitchen culture grounded in teamwork and accountability.

Who We Are Looking For

This role is a strong fit for a Lead Line Cook ready to move into supervision, a Kitchen Supervisor seeking broader leadership experience, or a Sous Chef who enjoys hands‑on service and developing a team.

• You stay calm, organized, and focused during busy service.
• You take pride in food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• You communicate clearly and lead with a positive, professional attitude.
• You hold yourself and your team accountable while helping others improve.
• You are comfortable working in an open kitchen aboard a vessel.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of culinary leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in high‑volume food service or hospitality; upscale plated‑service experience is a plus.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Basic knowledge of food cost controls, inventory management, and scheduling practices.
• ServSafe Manager Certification preferred, or ability to obtain.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Ability to work in a compact, fast‑paced, open concept, onboard kitchen.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain standing for extended periods.

Grow Your Culinary Career

Build practical experience in team leadership, inventory management, labor planning, and kitchen operations while remaining actively involved in food preparation and service. This role offers an opportunity to develop the skills needed for future culinary management responsibilities.

Benefits

• Competitive pay – Starting annual salary $70,000
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off
• Subsidized downtown parking
• Free and discounted tickets
• Professional growth and development opportunities

Join the Craft Team

Ready to help deliver an exceptional dining experience on the water?

Equal Opportunity Statement

Manthey Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

This job posting is a condensed summary of the role and not a full job description. A complete description will be reviewed during the interview process. Responsibilities and duties may change based on business needs and may include additional tasks not listed above.