Kitchen Lead

Silver Fern Management LLC; Albany (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

A restaurant management company is seeking a Kitchen Manager in Albany, California. This role is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, managing inventory, and leading the kitchen staff. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of kitchen management experience and a strong knowledge of food safety regulations. This position works full-time and includes a starting wage of $20.00 per hour, with potential earnings of up to $24.00 including tips.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of kitchen management or lead kitchen experience.
• Working knowledge of California food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily food preparation and production to ensure quality and consistency.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen employees.
• Manage food ordering, inventory levels, and proper storage procedures.
• Enforce compliance with Cal/OSHA and health department requirements.
• Communicate effectively with front-of-house and management teams.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Knowledge of food safety regulations

Job description

Job Title: Kitchen Manager

Location: Oakland CA Reports To: General Manager / Operations Manager Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Job Summary

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations to ensure food quality, consistency, safety, and efficiency. This role leads kitchen staff, enforces food safety and sanitation standards, manages inventory and food costs, and supports a respectful, compliant workplace in accordance with California labor laws. Compensation: This position offers a starting base wage of $20.00 per hour, with average total earnings of approximately $24.00 per hour, including tip distribution. Tip income is variable and not guaranteed, and may fluctuate based on sales volume and shift performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Oversee daily food preparation and production to ensure quality, consistency, and timely service
• Ensure all food is prepared in compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations
• Maintain recipe, portion, and presentation standards

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen employees
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management in accordance with company policy
• Foster a professional, inclusive, and respectful work environment
• Address employee concerns promptly and escalated when appropriate

Inventory & Cost Control

• Manage food ordering, inventory levels, and proper storage procedures
• Monitor food waste and support cost-control initiatives
• Ensure accurate receiving, labeling, rotation, and storage of products

Compliance & Safety

• Enforce compliance with Cal/OSHA, health department, and food safety requirements
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment
• Prepare for and participate in health inspections and audits

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with front-of-house and management teams
• Support menu updates, operational changes, and catering needs as required

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of kitchen management or lead kitchen experience
• Working knowledge of California food safety and sanitation standards
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
• Food Safety Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) preferred

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment

Work Schedule

• Schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Weekends Required