Guest-First Open-Kitchen Manager

Just-Food-For-Dogs; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

JustFoodForDogs is hiring a Kitchen Manager in Sherman Oaks, CA. You will lead a high‑volume kitchen operation, ensuring top guest experiences and strict adherence to brand standards while coaching the team and managing production plans.

You are hands-on, excel at problem solving, and have 2–3 years of leadership in fast‑casual or food production. ServSafe Food Manager certification is required, and a flexible schedule is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of progressive leadership experience in a high-volume quick‑service or fast‑casual restaurant, or food production environment.
• Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong emotional intelligence and sense of team dynamics and is comfortable with technology.
• Work Ethic: "Hungry and Humble” a self‑motivated professional who takes immediate initiative, actions feedback, possesses a servant’s heart, and continuously looks for operational improvements.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, squat, and walk for extended periods, work in a fast‑paced environment with highly repetitive work, and lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to work alone at times.
• Availability: Flexible schedule, including the ability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Live our Mission: Lead each day with a customer-first mentality, inspiring the team to find creative ways to say “yes” to guests and deliver great service.
• Model the Standard: Maintain a strong kitchen presence throughout the day to introducing the kitchen to guests, ensure both efficiency and productivity, and apply guest feedback with empathy and professionalism.
• Foster a Positive Attitude: Ensure the team maintains a fun, welcoming, and positive atmosphere that keeps guests returning by engaging with guests in our open‑kitchen environment.
• People Planning & Talent Acquisition: Participate in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and on‑going training and development for regular talent benchmarking to ensure the store is optimally staffed with highly performing individuals.
• Be a Team Player: Build a transparent, collaborative, and motivating work environment. Address behavioral and performance issues promptly and respectfully through active coaching and partnered corrective action as needed. Provide ongoing training, intentional career growth pathing, and constructive feedback to direct reports.
• Deliver Results: People and performance go together. Work with your Regional/District Manager, General Manager, and Retail Kitchen Operations to deliver on assigned goals. Work through the front and back‑of‑house teams to consistently deliver an exceptional guest experience, rooted in operational excellence to exceed sales and profitability goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Emotional intelligence

Tech comfort

Education

ServSafe National Food Manager’s Card

Job description

JustFoodForDogs is hiring a Kitchen Manager in Sherman Oaks, CA. You will lead a high‑volume kitchen operation, ensuring top guest experiences and strict adherence to brand standards while coaching the team and managing production plans.

You are hands-on, excel at problem solving, and have 2–3 years of leadership in fast‑casual or food production. ServSafe Food Manager certification is required, and a flexible schedule is expected.