Culinary GM & Lead Instructor – Teach, Lead & Grow

Taste Buds Kitchen - Montclair; Montclair (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid Time Off

Bonus eligible

Gratuities

Employee discounts

Training & development

Free uniforms

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Taste Buds Kitchen - Montclair is seeking a General Manager & Lead Culinary Instructor to teach cooking classes, oversee daily kitchen operations, and lead a team in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.

You will drive sales, manage events, and deliver exceptional customer experiences while maintaining brand standards. This role requires leadership, adaptability, and a passion for culinary education and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership in recruiting, training, and motivating high-performing teams.
• Comfortable with a range of cooking and baking techniques.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills.
• Experience working with people of all ages; events-based hospitality experience is a plus.
• Experience in events/hospitality or restaurant environments.
• 1-3 years in supervisory or management roles.
• Excellent customer service and community engagement.
• Organizational and problem-solving skills; thrives in a fast-paced setting.
• Enjoys a close-knit, growing small business environment.
• Proficiency with using social media to promote brand awareness.
• Formal culinary education or related experience is a plus.
• Business/Marketing degrees or experience are advantageous.
• First Aid/CPR and ServSafe certifications are helpful.

Responsibilities

• Teach cooking and baking classes and lead camps and parties.
• Drive sales and manage day-to-day kitchen operations and staff.
• Deliver exceptional client experiences and hospitality.
• Hire, train, and schedule staff; provide coverage as needed.
• Oversee event operations and guest services for multiple events.
• Support lead generation and business development as the business grows.
• Monitor sales performance and monthly revenue targets; manage expenses.

Skills

Leadership

Cooking skills

Public speaking

Customer service

Social media

Organization

Problem solving

Team motivation

Communication

Training

Events experience

Education

Culinary education or equivalent

Business/Management degree (plus)

Marketing degree or experience (plus)

Job description

Taste Buds Kitchen - Montclair is seeking a General Manager & Lead Culinary Instructor to teach cooking classes, oversee daily kitchen operations, and lead a team in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.

You will drive sales, manage events, and deliver exceptional customer experiences while maintaining brand standards. This role requires leadership, adaptability, and a passion for culinary education and community engagement.