BBQ Specialist - Pitmaster

Walt Churchill's Market; Maumee (OH); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock ownership plan

Paid vacation after 90 days

Employee discount

401(K) with company match

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance

Training and advancement opportunities

Job summary

Walt Churchill's Market in Maumee, OH is seeking a Full-Time BBQ Pitmaster to lead daily smokehouse operations and support deli initiatives. You will coordinate events, ensure safety, and deliver high-quality smoked products with excellent customer service.

Responsibilities include managing inventory, training staff, and collaborating with management to align offerings with brand goals. Flexibility for evenings and weekends is required.

Qualifications

• Proven culinary experience in a smokehouse, barbeque, or similar setting.
• Knowledge of smoking techniques, flavor profiles, and meat preparation.
• Experience in event planning, catering, or hospitality.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Proven leadership and merchandising abilities.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, season, smoke, and cook meats with consistent quality, flavor, and presentation.
• Develop and test new smoked products to expand menu offerings.
• Maintain and operate smokehouse equipment and sanitation.
• Manage inventory of meats, wood, rubs, sauces, and supplies.
• Collaborate with Deli team for daily service, catering, and events.
• Lead front-of-store Deli promotions and events and drive sales.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Culinary smokehouse

Smoking techniques

Event planning

Organization

Flexibility

Education

HS Diploma/GED

ServSafe Certification

Smoking/grilling experience

Job description

Description

Walt Churchill’s Market is looking for a Full-Time BBQ Pitmaster for our Maumee, OH location.

If you LOVE great food, deliver consistent QUALITY, RESPECT your co-workers, CARE about customers, and maintain a SAFE and CLEAN work environment, we want to talk to you!

Job Summary:

The BBQ Pitmaster reports to the Deli Manager and is responsible for overseeing daily smokehouse operations, supporting deli initiatives, and helping coordinate special events that enhance customer experience. This role combines culinary expertise, event execution, and customer service to drive sales, showcase smoked offerings, and maintain the highest standards of quality and safety.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Prepare, season, smoke, and cook meats with consistent quality, flavor, and presentation


• Develop and test new smoked products to expand menu offerings under the direction of the Deli Manager and Deli Director


• Maintain and operate smokehouse equipment while following scheduled cleaning duties


• Manage inventory of meats, wood, rubs, sauces, and supplies


• Collaborate with the Deli team to meet production needs for daily service, catering, and events


• Lead and execute front-of-store Deli-based promotions and specials events


• Drive sales growth in the Deli Smokehouse by monitoring event performance, merchandising effectively, and engaging directly with customers


• Provide a professional, welcoming guest experience to ensure customer satisfaction


• Train and mentor staff in Smokehouse techniques, customer service, and event execution


• Partner with management to align food offerings and events with brand goals


• Ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards mandated by government regulations


• Assist with grilling, frying, and hot/cold food production as needed


• Manage customer service issues with professionalism and problem-solving skills


• Follow in-store recipes to maintain quality and consistency


• Support cost control and production efficiency through accurate ordering, inventory management, and waste reduction


• Rotate and stock products to keep displays full, fresh, and visually appealing


• Communicate effectively with managers, vendors, customers, and staff


• Perform additional deli-related duties as assigned


• Participate in store visits as directed by leadership

We Offer:

• Become a WCM Owner! (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)


• Paid vacation after 90 days + accrual PTO


• Employee Discount


• 401(K) with company match


• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance


• Training and job advancement opportunities

Pay:

Starts at $18.00

Come be part of our 100+ year tradition and see why Walt Churchill's Market is "Better Because"!

Requirements

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication and customer service skills


• Proven leadership and merchandising abilities


• Culinary experience in a smokehouse, barbeque, or similar setting


• Knowledge of smoking techniques, flavor profiles, and meat preparation


• Experience in event planning, catering, or hospitality


• Strong organizational and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment


• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED


• ServSafe/Food Safety Certification or willingness to obtain one


• Hands-on experience with smoking and grilling meats

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, twisting, lifting, bending, and reaching


• Occasional instances of pushing, pulling, and squatting


• Ability to work in hot/cold environments


• Must be able to frequently lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally lift up to 80 pounds