Executive Kitchen Leader & Menu Innovator

Kona Grill - Kansas City; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Group Life & Disability Insurance

401(k) Plan (Traditional & Roth)

Dining discounts and onsite meals

Career development & growth

Job summary

THE ONE GROUP is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead culinary operations in a high-volume, upscale dining environment. You will craft high-quality menus, maintain cost efficiency, and elevate guest experiences through hands-on leadership.

This role requires a strong track record in kitchen leadership, culinary creativity, and mastery of safety, inventory, and POS systems. Join a globally expanding brand with robust growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Executive Chef or high-level kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume, upscale dining environment.
• Proven ability to lead and develop culinary teams in a fast-paced, dynamic setting.
• Expertise in kitchen operations, food cost management, and financial accountability.
• Strong culinary creativity and menu development skills.
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• Hands-on approach, with the ability to work on the line and execute all kitchen positions when necessary.
• SERV Safe certification and comprehensive food safety knowledge.
• Experience with restaurant POS and inventory systems.

Responsibilities

• Culinary Leadership & Execution: Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food production, consistency, and presentation.
• Execute all line positions when needed and support the kitchen team during peak hours.
• Ensure all menu items are prepared to the highest standards and lead to the creation of seasonal specials.
• Conduct line checks to ensure temperature accuracy, food freshness, and plating consistency.
• Expedite orders efficiently while maintaining smooth kitchen workflow.
• Train, mentor, and motivate the kitchen team, ensuring a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Inspire and develop chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff through hands-on leadership and coaching.
• Create and oversee weekly employee schedules, ensuring optimal staffing levels.
• Hold monthly kitchen meetings to address team goals, performance, and feedback.
• Manage food costs, payroll, and inventory, ensuring profitability without compromising quality.
• Work closely with the purchasing team to ensure the availability of top-quality ingredients.
• Oversee health and safety standards, ensuring compliance with local and corporate food safety guidelines.
• Prevent unnecessary expenses by monitoring kitchen breakage and waste reduction strategies.
• Guest Engagement & Brand Representation: Act as a culinary ambassador for THE ONE GROUP, engaging with guests and VIPs to enhance the dining experience.
• Collaborate with the Events & Marketing team to create seasonal menu updates and special event offers.
• Represent THE ONE GROUP in media appearances, community events, and restaurant promotions.

Skills

Executive leadership

High-volume dining

Menu development

Food cost control

Staff mentoring

POS proficiency

Tools

POS systems

Inventory software

Job description

THE ONE GROUP is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead culinary operations in a high-volume, upscale dining environment. You will craft high-quality menus, maintain cost efficiency, and elevate guest experiences through hands-on leadership.

This role requires a strong track record in kitchen leadership, culinary creativity, and mastery of safety, inventory, and POS systems. Join a globally expanding brand with robust growth opportunities.