Kitchen Manager

Rainforest Cafe; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training program

Career growth

Employee discounts

Health plans

Benefits package

Job summary

Rainforest Cafe, Inc. is seeking a passionate Kitchen Manager to lead daily kitchen operations, mentor culinary team members, and drive exceptional guest experiences. You will manage food quality, control costs, and ensure safety standards in a fast-paced, high-volume setting.

This role offers leadership growth within a brand known for fun, adventure, and unforgettable guest experiences. Join a hands-on team that values accountability and development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of culinary management experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Strong understanding of back-of-house operations, including staff supervision, inventory management, and cost controls.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams with strong communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations and mentor culinary team members.
• Maintain exceptional food quality and consistency.
• Manage labor and operating costs to meet budget goals.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and safety regulations.
• Foster a positive, high-performing work environment and culture.
• Analyze performance metrics and drive actionable improvements.
• Demonstrate leadership presence and adaptability to changing needs.
• Deliver strong business results through operational excellence.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team supervision

Inventory management

Cost controls

Food safety

Staff development

Job description

Overview

Ready to Lead the Kitchen and Grow Your Culinary Career? Your Next Adventure Starts Here!

Rainforest Cafe is looking for a passionate, driven Kitchen Manager to join our culinary leadership team and help bring the energy, excitement, and flavor behind one of the most unique dining experiences around. If you're an experienced kitchen leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys developing people, and is ready to take the next step in your career, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. As Kitchen Manager, you'll play a key role in leading daily kitchen operations, developing and mentoring culinary team members, maintaining exceptional food quality and consistency, and driving strong operational results. We're looking for a hands-on leader who leads by example, embraces accountability, and takes pride in building a high-performing kitchen team. This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills, grow your career, and take your culinary journey to new heights with a brand known for fun, adventure, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Benefits

• Extensive and well-rounded training program


• Continued career development and growth opportunities


• Generous employee discounts on dining, retail, amusements, and hotels


• Multiple health benefit plans to suit your needs


• Dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability, flexible spending accounts and 401 (k)


• Paid sick leave


• Paid time off


• Monthly discretionary bonus potential

Responsibilities

• Guest Experience Leadership: Lead by example in delivering exceptional guest experiences while fostering a culture of hospitality, accountability, and a "Do Whatever It Takes" mindset


• Operational Excellence: Support the management of labor and operating expenses to meet or exceed budget and profitability goals through effective planning and execution.


• Financial Management: Assist with inventory management, including purchasing, ordering, biweekly and monthly inventories, and maintaining appropriate product levels


• Quality Management: Ensure consistent execution of food quality, presentation, and recipe standards.


• Safety & Compliance: Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations, including OSHA requirements.


• Culture & Engagement: Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment that promotes teamwork, employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.


• Business Results: Drive operational success by analyzing performance metrics, identifying opportunities for improvement, implementing action plans, and delivering strong business results.


• Adaptability & Leadership Presence: Respond effectively to changing business needs, operational challenges, and guest concerns while maintaining a visible and supportive leadership presence throughout the operation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of culinary management experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant. Equivalent combinations of professional experience and relevant academic achievements may be considered.


• Strong understanding of back-of-house operations, including staff supervision, inventory management, food and labor cost controls, and maintaining product quality standards.


• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams, with exceptional communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.


• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.


• Proven success managing food costs, labor expenses, inventory controls and other key operational metrics.


• Current knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance standards, with a commitment to maintaining a safe and sanitary kitchen environment.


• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing business needs and operational demands.


• Proven track record of professional growth, stability, and a strong commitment to excellence.


• Genuine enthusiasm for hospitality and creating memorable experiences for both guests and team members.

EOE

Pay Range

USD $58,000.00 - USD $72,000.00 /Yr.