Hands-On Kitchen Manager: Team Builder & Ops Leader

Tompkins Chamber; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Strand, located inside the Canopy Hotel, is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead back‑of‑house operations and uphold high food quality standards.

Baywood Hotels is looking for a hands‑on leader who can hire, train and mentor staff, schedule and manage inventory, monitor costs, ensure sanitation, and collaborate with Front of House to deliver an outstanding guest experience.

Qualifications

• Previous kitchen management or supervisory experience required.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, kitchen operations, and food safety.
• Experience with scheduling, ordering, inventory, and food-cost management.
• Proven ability to hire, train, coach, and lead a team.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with both Front of House and Back of House leadership.
• ServSafe certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Flexible availability, including weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the restaurant kitchen and back-of-house team
• Hire, train, mentor, schedule all back of house staff and develop kitchen crew
• Create and manage kitchen staff schedules while ensuring appropriate coverage for business levels
• Lead and motivate the kitchen team while maintaining a positive and professional work environment
• Maintain consistent food quality, presentation, portion control, and recipe standards
• Oversee food preparation and ensure timely execution of orders
• Manage food ordering, receiving, storage, and inventory
• Monitor food costs, waste, portioning, and overall kitchen profitability
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels and conduct regular inventory counts
• Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and health-code compliance
• Maintain kitchen equipment and communicate repair or maintenance needs
• Assist with menu execution, specials, and seasonal menu changes
• Ensure proper labeling, dating, rotation, and storage of food products
• Monitor kitchen labor and work with management to meet budget goals
• Address employee performance issues and provide coaching and mentoring when needed
• Ensure the kitchen is properly staffed and prepared for busy periods, hotel events, and high-occupancy days
• Execute banquets alongside the Sales department
• Work closely with the Front of House Manager and Restaurant Manager to ensure smooth communication and an excellent guest experience
• Communicate effectively with hotel leadership regarding kitchen operations, staffing, inventory, food costs, and operational needs
• Lead by example and maintain a professional, team-oriented kitchen culture
• Step in and assist with cooking and kitchen duties as needed

Skills

Kitchen management

Food safety

Staff training

Scheduling

Inventory control

Cost control

Communication

Leadership

ServSafe

Job description

The Strand, located inside the Canopy Hotel, is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead back‑of‑house operations and uphold high food quality standards.

Baywood Hotels is looking for a hands‑on leader who can hire, train and mentor staff, schedule and manage inventory, monitor costs, ensure sanitation, and collaborate with Front of House to deliver an outstanding guest experience.