Kitchen Lead - 28

Buck Management Corp; Summerville, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Bistro @ Bluewater in Summerville, SC is hiring a Kitchen Lead to oversee daily kitchen operations, ensure food safety, quality, and presentation, and drive teamwork during shifts.

The role requires 1+ year in restaurant or kitchen leadership; ServSafe certification is preferred. You will coach staff, manage prep, waste, and labor while upholding standards and guest satisfaction. Join a dynamic team in the Charleston area.

Qualifications

• 1+ year experience in restaurant, foodservice, or kitchen leadership preferred.
• ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain one (preferred).
• Minimum of prior kitchen leadership experience required.
• Bakery experience is preferred and will be given strong consideration.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays, and varied shifts.
• Able to stand for long periods, bend, reach, and lift up to 40 lbs.
• A strong work ethic and positive attitude are essential.
• Strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills.
• A desire to grow and succeed in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen staff during assigned shifts.
• Ensure recipes, prep standards, and portion accuracy are consistently followed.
• Maintain communication with the front-counter team to ensure smooth service.
• Verify food safety checklists and temperature logs are completed properly.
• Execute labor plans and position team members effectively throughout the shift.
• Monitor breaks, shift coverage, and productivity levels.
• Communicate staffing needs and concerns to management.
• Track waste daily; maintain and submit weekly waste logs.
• Support inventory checks and report shortages, spoilage, or discrepancies.
• Oversee dishwashing, sanitization, and equipment cleanliness.
• Coach team members on safety and sanitation best practices.
• Assist with training new kitchen staff.
• Model teamwork, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
• Reinforce company standards and provide real-time coaching.
• Support promotion of seasonal/featured menu items.
• Provide feedback on product changes and new offerings.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Tools

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Description

Now Hiring: Kitchen Lead

Summerville, SC

Full-Time | Leadership Opportunity | Competitive Pay + Benefits

Do you love great food and have a passion for leading a high-energy kitchen team? Bistro @ Bluewater is looking for a Kitchen Lead who can help drive daily food operations while ensuring every guest enjoys a fresh, high-quality experience.

About the Role

The Kitchen Lead is responsible for overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations within the Bistro. This role ensures that all food is prepared to standard, served safely, and presented consistently. The Kitchen Lead supports a culture of quality, cleanliness, teamwork, and guest satisfaction, while maintaining efficient use of labor and minimizing waste.

Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Standards

• Lead and support kitchen staff during assigned shifts.
• Ensure recipes, prep standards, and portion accuracy are consistently followed.
• Maintain communication with the front-counter team to ensure smooth service.
• Verify food safety checklists and temperature logs are completed properly.

Labor & Productivity

• Execute labor plans and position team members effectively throughout the shift.
• Monitor breaks, shift coverage, and productivity levels.
• Communicate staffing needs and concerns to management.

Food Quality & Waste Control

• Manage prep lists and rotation to ensure freshness and accuracy.
• Track waste daily; maintain and submit weekly waste logs.
• Support inventory checks and report shortages, spoilage, or discrepancies.

Safety & Cleanliness

• Ensure a clean, organized, and health-code-compliant kitchen at all times.
• Oversee dishwashing, sanitization, and equipment cleanliness.
• Coach team members on safety and sanitation best practices.

Team Leadership

• Assist with training new kitchen staff.
• Model teamwork, professionalism, and a positive attitude.
• Reinforce company standards and provide real-time coaching.
• Support promotion of seasonal/featured menu items.
• Provide feedback on product changes and new offerings.

(Note: This is not intended to be a complete list of job functions. Responsibilities listed may be modified to fit business needs.)

Why join the Bistro @ Bluewater?

We're more than just a convenience stop-we're a vibrant part of the Charleston community with a commitment to great food, local spirit, and personal growth. As a Kitchen Lead, you'll have a chance to strengthen your culinary skills while helping build an energized, supportive team.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bluewater is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Requirements

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• 1+ year experience in restaurant, foodservice, or kitchen leadership preferred.
• ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain one (preferred).
• Minimum of prior kitchen leadership experience required.
• Bakery experience is preferred and will be given strong consideration.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays, and varied shifts.
• Able to stand for long periods, bend, reach, and lift up to 40 lbs.
• A strong work ethic and positive attitude are essential.
• Strong communication, organization, and multitasking skills.
• A desire to grow and succeed in a team-oriented environment.