Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager

Smoke on the Water; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant lakeside destination as an Executive Chef, where you'll lead a passionate kitchen team and create unforgettable dining experiences. This role offers the chance to showcase your culinary creativity, develop new menu items, and ensure high-quality food in a lively atmosphere. With a focus on scratch-made dishes and community engagement, you'll thrive in a supportive environment that values work-life balance and personal growth. If you're ready to make your mark in a beloved local favorite, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Benefits

Competitive Pay

Flexible Scheduling

Creative Freedom

Beautiful Workplace

Free Meals

Growth Potential

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a full-service kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a kitchen team to maintain high standards.
• Oversee menu execution and develop innovative specials.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Building

Culinary Creativity

Time Management

Food Costing

Inventory Management

Scratch-Made Cooking

BBQ Cooking

Catering Experience

Education

ServSafe Certification

Job description

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)

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

1. Lead & Inspire – Manage and mentor a hardworking kitchen team, fostering a culture of teamwork, efficiency, and passion for great food.
2. Menu & Culinary Creativity – Oversee menu execution, develop innovative daily specials, and ensure top-notch quality in every dish.
3. 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!)
4. Operations & Cost Control – Manage food costs, inventory, ordering, and waste reduction to ensure efficiency and profitability.
5. Scheduling & Staffing – Create effective schedules that align with business needs and maintain labor budgets.
6. Catering & Special Events – Lead kitchen operations for our private events and special occasions, delivering an unforgettable experience for guests.
7. Team Player – Willing to work alongside teammates in the kitchen when needed.
8. 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

1. 5+ years of experience leading a full-service kitchen.
2. ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
3. Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
4. Passion for scratch-made food and high-quality ingredients.
5. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and consistency.
6. Knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and scheduling.
7. 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

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

Join the Smoke on the Water Family!

If you’re a dedicated chef with a passion for exceptional food and a love for lake life, we want to hear from you. Apply today by submitting your resume and cover letter. Let’s create something amazing together at Smoke on the Water!