Kitchen Manager

Popeyes-01d9eb60; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Training & development

Flexible scheduling

Employee discounts on Popeyes meals

Referral program

Job summary

SBH Foods Popeyes is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead our Heart of House operations, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency. You will cook to our standards, train teammates, and manage inventory while maintaining a fast-paced, guest-focused environment.

You will mentor cooks, uphold cleanliness and food safety, and collaborate with restaurant leadership to optimize operations. Flexible scheduling and opportunities for growth are offered.

Qualifications

• Previous restaurant or kitchen experience preferred; leadership experience a plus.
• Strong attention to detail regarding food quality, safety, and cleanliness.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment with hot equipment.
• Excellent communication and positive teamwork skills.
• Ability to train, coach, and lead others effectively.
• Willingness to learn and master all Heart of House operations.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all Heart of House operations to ensure consistent, high-quality kitchen execution.
• Prepare and cook menu items following Popeyes’ authentic recipes and standards.
• Maintain excellent food quality, presentation, freshness, and portion control.
• Train, coach, and support kitchen team members to build skills and confidence.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness in all kitchen and storage areas.
• Manage inventory, food rotation, and product organization to minimize waste.
• Collaborate with restaurant leadership to address kitchen needs and optimize operations.
• Support the team during busy periods by working multiple stations as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Training others

Willingness to learn Heart of House

Evenings/weekends/holidays

Job description

Join the SBH Foods Popeyes team as a Kitchen Manager and become the leader behind great food, strong kitchen execution, and a team that knows how to deliver.

Internally, we call this role our Heart of House Captain. It’s a hands‑on leadership position for someone who takes pride in food quality, enjoys teaching others, and wants to become an expert in kitchen operations.

You’ll work alongside the team while taking greater ownership of food preparation, kitchen standards, inventory, cleanliness, food safety, and the development of our cooks.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive pay with bonus and incentive opportunities
• Paid training and ongoing professional development
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
• Employee discounts on delicious Popeyes meals
• Referral program with rewards
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Paid time off and other additional benefits based on eligibility

What You'll Do:

• Lead and oversee all Heart of House operations to ensure consistent, high-quality kitchen execution
• Prepare and cook menu items following Popeyes’ authentic recipes and standards
• Maintain excellent food quality, presentation, freshness, and portion control
• Train, coach, and support kitchen team members to build skills and confidence
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness in all kitchen and storage areas
• Manage inventory, food rotation, and product organization to minimize waste
• Collaborate with restaurant leadership to address kitchen needs and optimize operations
• Support the team during busy periods by working multiple stations as needed

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous restaurant or kitchen experience preferred; leadership experience a plus
• Strong attention to detail regarding food quality, safety, and cleanliness
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment with hot equipment
• Excellent communication and positive teamwork skills
• Ability to train, coach, and lead others effectively
• Willingness to learn and master all Heart of House operations
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

Master Your Craft. Develop Your Team.

The Kitchen Manager role is designed for someone who wants to take greater ownership of the Heart of House.

You’ll become a go-to resource for kitchen execution while helping other team members learn the right way to prepare great food. It's an opportunity to build leadership skills while eveloping deep expertise in one of the most important parts of the restaurant.

And when you're ready for more, the experience you build here can help prepare you for broader restaurant leadership:

Crew Shift Leader Kitchen Manager Assistant Restaurant Manager Restaurant General Manager Area Leadership

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand and move throughout the restaurant for extended periods
• Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, including around hot cooking equipment
• Bend, reach, kneel, lift, and carry while following proper lifting procedures
• Lift and carry products, boxes, equipment, and supplies as required by the position
• Perform repetitive food preparation and cooking tasks
• Safely operate restaurant and kitchen equipment
• Support stocking, cleaning, food preparation, and other restaurant responsibilities as needed

SBH Foods is a Popeyes franchisee and an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions based on qualifications,skills, experience, and business needs and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

Big flavor. Real hospitality. A place to grow.
Popeyes has been serving bold, Louisiana-inspired food since 1972. What started with one restaurant and one big idea has grown into a globally recognized brand known for its unmistakable flavor, Cajun hospitality, and food people genuinely crave.
At SBH Foods, we’re proud to be part of that story.
We own and operate Popeyes restaurants with a simple belief: great restaurants are built by great people. That means serving delicious food, taking care of our guests, supporting one another, and creating an environment where team members can learn, grow, and build something meaningful.
Development is a big part of how we operate. We believe in coaching our people, promoting from within, and giving team members the opportunity to take on more when they’re ready.
Whether you’re joining us for your first job, your next leadership opportunity, or a career you want to keep building, there’s a place for you at SBH Foods.
Come bring your energy, grow your skills, and help us build something great.