Culinary Test Kitchen Operations Lead

Inspire; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspire operates two kitchens at 3 Glenlake and seeks an operations-focused individual to manage day-to-day upkeep, equipment maintenance, inventory, events, and budget oversight. You will oversee two contract staff, coordinate with culinary teams, and ensure safety and sanitation standards across both floors.

You will also handle invoices, supplier coordination, and ensure smooth operation of the Test Kitchen and Beverage Kitchen for product development, shoots, and events at 3 Glenlake.

Qualifications

• 4 years in a food service or hospitality environment.
• Experience coordinating kitchen maintenance and events.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and vendor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate repair and maintenance of all kitchen equipment to Inspire Brands standards.
• Schedule preventive maintenance for all test kitchen equipment (monthly, quarterly, yearly).
• Coordinate shipping, receiving and inventory for deliveries supporting culinary teams.
• Maintain test kitchen schedule and allocate time/space for product development, photo/video shoots.
• Serve as primary point of contact for culinary and event requests; escalate when needed.
• Administer workflows and develop tools like checklists and work-order databases to improve service.
• Maintain inventory, cleanliness and organization of dry goods, smallware, refrigerators and freezers.
• Coordinate cleanouts of storage areas and perform quartery cleanouts of pantries and freezers.
• Procure cooking equipment and supplies per approved processes.
• Process invoices and prepare expense reports for kitchens, events, and amenities.
• Manage the G&A budget, track commitments, reconcile expenses, and provide routine updates.
• Maintain event calendar; coordinate spaces, vendors, and equipment for events.
• Coordinate setup, on-site support and breakdown for events and showings in kitchens.
• Support after-hours events as needed.
• Provide day-to-day direction to two contract employees and address staffing issues through the contract partner.
• Communicate test kitchen rules and procedures; escalate exceptions as needed.
• Support EcoSure audits and microbiological testing requirements.
• Coordinate daily/weekly/monthly cleaning to meet standards.
• Coordinate porter requests for test kitchen operations and large events.
• Coordinate vendor equipment setup, breakdown and exit plans.
• Serve as day-to-day vendor liaison; maintain records and service schedules.

Skills

Operational coordination

Vendor management

Event coordination

Communication

Problem solving

Budget tracking

Education

High School Diploma or Technical Certification

Job description

Inspire operates two kitchens at 3 Glenlake and seeks an operations-focused individual to manage day-to-day upkeep, equipment maintenance, inventory, events, and budget oversight. You will oversee two contract staff, coordinate with culinary teams, and ensure safety and sanitation standards across both floors.

You will also handle invoices, supplier coordination, and ensure smooth operation of the Test Kitchen and Beverage Kitchen for product development, shoots, and events at 3 Glenlake.