Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager

Smoke On The Water BBQ - Okauchee; Okauchee Lake (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Work-Life Balance

Creative Freedom

Beautiful Lakeside Workplace

Free Meals & Perks

Growth Potential

Job summary

Smoke on the Water in Okauchee Lake, WI is seeking an Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead our scratch-made kitchen, design specials, and elevate the dining experience. You’ll mentor a talented team, manage food costs, oversee smoking techniques, and coordinate catering for events, while delivering bold flavors in a lively lakeside setting.

In this role you will drive culinary innovation, maintain quality and consistency, and ensure a successful, high-energy operation that resonates with our

Qualifications

• 5+ years of executive kitchen leadership experience.
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Passion for scratch-made food and high-quality ingredients.
• Knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and scheduling.
• Experience with smoked meats, BBQ, and catering is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Inspire – Manage and mentor a hardworking kitchen team, fostering a culture of teamwork, efficiency, and passion for great food.
• Menu & Culinary Creativity – Oversee menu execution, develop innovative daily specials, and ensure top-notch quality in every dish.
• Scratch-Made Excellence – Maintain high standards in our scratch kitchen, ensuring adherence to recipes, prep lists, and proper smoking techniques.
• Operations & Cost Control – Manage food costs, inventory, ordering, and waste reduction to ensure efficiency and profitability.
• Scheduling & Staffing – Create effective schedules that align with business needs and maintain labor budgets.
• Catering & Special Events – Lead kitchen operations for our private events and special occasions, delivering an unforgettable experience for guests.
• Team Player – Willing to work alongside teammates in the kitchen when needed.
• Lake Vibes & Customer Satisfaction – Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service, happy guests, and a kitchen that thrives in our lively, high-energy atmosphere.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team-building

Scratch-made cooking

Cost control

Cooking with smoked meats

Job description

Smoke on the Water

Why work for a franchise when you can work with family, slingin' Drinks, BBQ and Music ON OKAUCHEE LAKE?

Executive Chef – Smoke on the Water (Okauchee Lake, WI)

SALARY: $65-80,000 Plus bonuses

Are you ready to lead the culinary charge at one of Lake Country’s most vibrant lakeside destinations? Smoke on the Water is seeking a passionate, creative, and experienced Executive Chef to helm our kitchen and bring bold flavors to life. Nestled on the sunny shores of Okauchee Lake, we specialize in scratch‑made dishes, smoked meats, and unforgettable dining experiences—all served up with great vibes and a strong sense of community.

About Us

Smoke on the Water isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. Whether it’s locals boating in for a meal, families gathering for a special occasion, or live music setting the stage for a perfect night out, we deliver an atmosphere where strangers become friends and friends become family. Our food is as much about the experience as it is about the ingredients—fresh, high‑quality, and crafted with care.

The Role

As our Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager you’ll take the reins of our culinary program, leading a talented kitchen team to maintain the highest standards of quality, consistency, and creativity. You’ll have the opportunity to design specials, develop new menu items, and put your personal stamp on a beloved local favorite. Your expertise will ensure smooth operations, cost management, and an efficient, high‑energy kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead & Inspire – Manage and mentor a hardworking kitchen team, fostering a culture of teamwork, efficiency, and passion for great food.
• Menu & Culinary Creativity – Oversee menu execution, develop innovative daily specials, and ensure top‑notch quality in every dish.
• Scratch‑Made Excellence – Maintain high standards in our scratch kitchen, ensuring adherence to recipes, prep lists, and proper smoking techniques. (If you’re new to smoking, we’ll train you!)
• Operations & Cost Control – Manage food costs, inventory, ordering, and waste reduction to ensure efficiency and profitability.
• Scheduling & Staffing – Create effective schedules that align with business needs and maintain labor budgets.
• Catering & Special Events – Lead kitchen operations for our private events and special occasions, delivering an unforgettable experience for guests.
• Team Player – Willing to work alongside teammates in the kitchen when needed.
• Lake Vibes & Customer Satisfaction – Work closely with the front‑of‑house team to ensure seamless service, happy guests, and a kitchen that thrives in our lively, high‑energy atmosphere.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience leading a full-service kitchen.
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong leadership, communication, and team‑building skills.
• Passion for scratch‑made food and high‑quality ingredients.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and scheduling.
• Experience with smoked meats, BBQ, and catering is a plus—but if you’re a great chef willing to learn, we’ll train you!

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay - Based on experience, skills, and past results.
• Work‑Life Balance - Flexible scheduling in a fun, supportive environment.
• Creative Freedom - The chance to create and execute your own culinary vision.
• A Beautiful Workplace - Enjoy coming to work every day at a lakeside gem, surrounded by great people and great food.
• Free Meals & Perks - Because every great chef deserves a great meal!
• Growth Potential - Be part of a growing, community‑loved restaurant with room to evolve your career.