Executive Kitchen Manager

Din Tai Fung North America; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant is seeking an Executive Kitchen Manager to co-lead operations and ensure high standards in food quality and safety. This role involves managing kitchen staff, controlling costs, and driving team development in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a culinary background, along with a commitment to maintaining a positive work culture. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Employer Contribution for medical insurance

Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401(k) Plan with company match

Employee Meal Discounts

Opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• 3+ years of kitchen management experience in a high-volume restaurant.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversees kitchen operations to ensure efficiency and quality control.
• Leads staff through hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Manages budgets and monitors profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Scheduling software

Inventory software

Job description

LOCATION : 2621 NE 46th Street, Seattle, WA 98105 (University Village)

SALARY RANGE FOR EXECUTIVE KITCHEN MANAGER : $120,000.00 - $145,000 annual base salary, plus eligibility for the annual incentive plan based on individual and company performance.

The base salary or hourly wage range for this role will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. Range is not inclusive of potential bonus or benefits. Your recruiter can share more information about the salary range and other factors during the hiring process.

BENEFITS FOR EXECUTIVE KITCHEN MANAGER :

• Employer Contribution for individuals and eligible dependents' medical insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Commuter Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts through BenefitHub
• Employee Meal Discounts
• Opportunities for growth; we love promoting within!
• PTO is accrued based on length of service :
• 0-2 years : 4.62 hours / biweekly
• 2-4 years : 5.23 hours / biweekly
• 4-10 years : 6.15 hours / biweekly
• 10+ years : 7.69 hours / biweekly

JOB PURPOSE :

The Executive Kitchen Manager is the co-leader of the restaurant, working in partnership with the General Manager to ensure overall success. They take full ownership of back-of-house operations, leading kitchen staff, managing inventory, controlling costs, and maintaining high standards for food quality, safety, and cleanliness. With a strong focus on team development, financial performance, and operational efficiency, they play a critical role in driving the restaurant’s culture and success.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Oversees all aspects of kitchen operations to ensure efficiency, quality control, and food safety compliance. Responsible for maintaining brand standards and smooth day-to-day execution. Ensures a clean, safe, and compliant restaurant environment by monitoring HSE standards and addressing noncompliance with internal and external regulations.
• Leads by example, fostering a positive work ethic and professional environment. Builds team capability through hiring, training, coaching, and motivating staff to align with company goals.
• Sets clear performance objectives for team members and holds them accountable through consistent evaluation and corrective action when needed. Communicates business strategies and goals clearly to staff, aligning them with the broader company mission. Maintains transparency with upper management through reporting and participation in meetings.
• Manages departmental budgets, understands financial reports, monitors profitability, and ensures compliance with accounting procedures and budget goals. Drives kitchen-related initiatives to boost sales and improve profitability, including setting production goals and managing control systems.
• Develops and maintains work schedules to meet business needs and labor budgets. Ensures proper staffing levels by hiring qualified team members and creating a strong leadership bench.
• Oversees inventory control, ensures timely and accurate ordering, and maintains strong vendor relationships to support operational efficiency and product quality.

JOB REQUIREMENTS FOR EXECUTIVE KITCHEN MANAGER :

• 3+ years of kitchen management experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen operations, including inventory and cost control.
• Proven leadership skills with experience hiring, training, and developing back-of-house teams.
• Ability to manage budgets and interpret financial statements (e.g., food cost, labor cost, P&L).
• Effective communication and organizational skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift 20+ lbs.
• Comfortable with being exposed to hot and cold temperatures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Culinary degree
• Proficiency with scheduling and inventory software

Note :

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor.

Din Tai Fung is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Fair Chance Initiative.

Din Tai Fung is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer – M / F / D / V. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As part of our hiring process, Din Tai Fung uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees. E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows employers to compare information from an employee's Form I-9 to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. This verification confirms an employee’s eligibility to work in the United States. Din Tai Fung complies fully with all Equal Employment Opportunity laws, ensuring no discrimination based on national origin or citizenship status. Din Tai Fung is committed to employing only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States and who comply with applicable immigration and employment law. As a condition of employment, every individual must provide satisfactory evidence of their identity and legal authority to work in the United States. If the employee cannot verify their right to work in the United States within the time permitted by laws, the Company will be required to terminate their employment immediately. To learn more about E-Verify, please visit : .

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

Offer contingent on criminal background check.

Compensation : $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ABOUT DIN TAI FUNG

Din Tai Fung is a Chinese restaurant specializing in Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings. Originally founded in Taiwan as a cooking oil retail business in 1958, Din Tai Fung was reborn as a steamed dumpling and noodle restaurant in 1972. Since its founding, Din Tai Fung has become world-renowned for its quality, standardization and service. The Hong Kong branch has been awarded a Michelin star five times. Din Tai Fung currently has over 170 locations in 13 countries worldwide.

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Kitchen Manager • Seattle, WA, United States