Executive Kitchen Manager

UPWARD PROJECTS; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical with company contribution

401K with company match

Meal Discounts and Perks

Paid Parental Leave

Teledoc Services

Job summary

UPWARD PROJECTS in San Diego is seeking an Executive Kitchen Manager to lead day-to-day kitchen operations and drive excellence across the restaurant team.

You will coach culinary staff, manage inventory, control costs, and maintain rigorous food-safety standards while partnering with the General Manager to achieve financial goals.

Qualifications

• 1 year of full-service restaurant management or 3–5 years in a supervisory role.
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Hospitality, Management, or Business preferred.
• ServSafe and Responsible Alcohol Service Certifications are required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, portioning, speed, and waste control.
• Lead culinary team scheduling, hiring, and development.
• Oversee catering and off-premise food execution to brand standards.
• Maintain food safety and sanitation, including inspections and audits.
• Partner with GM on P&L review and cost management.
• Manage vendor relationships and inventory; ensure accurate ordering.

Skills

Restaurant management

Team leadership

Budget & P&L

Education

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Hospitality, Management, or Business

ServSafe Certification

Responsible Alcohol Service Certification

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

WHO WE ARE

We are a restaurant group that thrives on creating authentic and inspiring experiences for the communities we serve. Through the contributions of countless incredible people, past and present, we’re headed to the moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the other, it’s our common values that keep us united.

• Be Authentic and Humble
• Act with Integrity
• Bring Good Energy
• Achieve as a Team
• Get Extraordinary Results
• Inspire with Hospitality

ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE KITCHEN MANAGER ROLE

As an Executive Kitchen Manager your goal is to support the General Manager's vision of excellence that is team-focused and always innovative. This role directs the creation of sincere and genuine connections while maintaining a positive work environment, delegating and managing the daily functions of the assigned restaurant, and meeting and exceeding company financial goals.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL YOU MUST

• Ensure excellence in food quality, portioning, speed, and waste control.
• Lead daily Taste Plate coaching and follow-up to uphold menu standards.
• Oversee catering and off-premise food execution to brand standards.
• Maintain kitchen and walk-in organization, ensuring tools and smallwares support flawless execution.
• Systems, Processes & Safety
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards, including health inspections, Steritech audits, and ServSafe certifications.
• Coach daily on ordering, pars, prep guides, and chemical/paper product management.
• Regularly update prep guides and par levels in alignment with menu changes.
• Manage culinary smallwares and equipment inventory and readiness.
• Business Acumen & Budget Management
• Own BOH inventory accuracy, food COGs, AvT, and culinary cost analysis.
• Enter, audit, and manage invoices, credits, and proper G/L coding.
• Partner with the GM on P&L review, cost communication, and coaching to drive financial goals.
• Manage relationships with food and beverage vendors to ensure quality, pricing, and service standards.
• Monitor supply needs and ensure consistent, accurate ordering and vendor follow-up.
• Lead culinary team scheduling, hiring, and development.
• Select, staff, and coach Culinary Trainers (CTs) to elevate team performance and growth.
• Report on area of responsibility (AOR) performance in weekly manager meetings.

BENEFITS TO ENJOY

• Medical with company contribution
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Vacation and earned paid sick time
• 401K with company match
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
• Teledoc Services for all team members
• Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and AD&D
• Paid Parental Leave
• Meal Discounts and Perks
• Thanksgiving and Christmas off
• Mental Wellness and Life Event Management programs
• Fitness Program Discount
• Opportunities to give your feedback and let your voice be heard
• Company appreciation events and parties
• Anniversary recognition and rewards

Requirements

• The position requires 1 year of full-service restaurant Restaurant Manager experience or 3-5 years of a lead or supervisory role in a restaurant. Internal candidates must be in good standing and free of performance issues within a 1-year time-period. Combined work experience and education will be considered in decisions.
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Hospitality, Management, or Business preferred.
• Servsafe and Responsible Alcohol Service Certifications are required

Salary Description

$85,000 - $90,000 Plus 22.5% Bonus Potential