Kitchen Manager

Barrel One Collective; Bridgewater (VT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrel One Collective, the team behind Long Trail Brewery, seeks a Kitchen Manager to lead back-of-house operations at our Bridgewater, VT restaurant. You’ll shape the food program, mentor a high-energy kitchen staff, and partner with the front-of-house team to deliver guest-first experiences.

You’ll design seasonal menus, manage food costs, ensure health & safety compliance, and drive training, accountability, and growth.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of kitchen management in a high-volume setting.
• Strong foundation in scratch cooking and seasonal menus.
• Budgeting, food cost tracking, and vendor management experience.
• Leadership ability to coach diverse kitchen teams.
• ServSafe certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, and lead a high-performing kitchen team with a focus on quality and service.
• Design and execute seasonal menus that balance creativity with operations.
• Lead daily kitchen operations with a hands-on, people-first approach.
• Develop training plans and clear expectations to promote growth and accountability.
• Maintain food costs through smart inventory management and vendor partnerships.
• Manage labor and scheduling for operational efficiency.
• Ensure health department compliance and sanitation standards.
• Lead prep and production systems to maximize consistency and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with FOH to ensure smooth kitchen-to-dining flow and fast ticket times.
• Support events and beer dinners with strong culinary execution.
• Promote thoughtful food and beer pairings with brewing and front-of-house teams.

Skills

Leadership

Food cost management

Staff training

Menu development

Food safety

Education

ServSafe certification

Job description

Exciting New Opportunity: Kitchen Manager – Long Trail Brewery, Bridgewater, VT

Are you a passionate and driven culinary leader ready to take the helm of a fast-paced, guest-loved brewery restaurant? Long Trail is looking for an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead our back-of-house operations and continue delivering outstanding food and craft beer experiences in a uniquely local, vibrant setting.

This is more than just a kitchen leadership role-it's a chance to help shape the food program at one of Massachusetts' most beloved and recognized craft breweries.

What Makes This Opportunity Exciting?

• Be Part of a Community Staple – Help build on its legacy with a food program that complements and elevates the guest experience.

• Lead with Creativity & Expertise – Collaborate on menu development, implement operational best practices, and bring your kitchen team together under a shared standard of excellence.

• Celebrate New England Flavors – We emphasize scratch cooking, smart sourcing, and seasonal innovation that celebrates the region.

• Make an Impact – Build a strong kitchen culture focused on training, growth, and accountability while driving operational success.

Position Overview

As Kitchen Manager, you'll oversee all culinary operations at Long Trails restaurant, from back-of-house staffing and food production to inventory management and sanitation. You'll work closely with our front-of-house leadership team to ensure a seamless, high-quality guest experience that reflects the brand.

What You’ll Do

Culinary Leadership & Team Development

• Hire, train, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team committed to standards of food quality and service

• Design and execute seasonal menus that support creative expression and operational efficiency

• Lead daily kitchen operations with a hands-on, people-first approach

• Develop training plans and clear expectations to promote growth and accountability

Operational & Financial Management

• Maintain food cost targets through smart inventory management and vendor partnerships

• Manage kitchen labor and scheduling for operational efficiency

• Ensure compliance with health department regulations, cleanliness standards, and company policies

• Lead prep and production systems that maximize consistency and minimize waste

Guest Experience & Brand Alignment

• Partner with FOH leadership to ensure smooth kitchen-to-dining flow and fast ticket times

• Support events, beer dinners, and private functions with strong culinary execution

• Promote thoughtful food and beer pairings in collaboration with our brewing and front-of-house teams

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of kitchen management experience in a high-volume restaurant or brewpub

• Strong culinary foundation, preferably in scratch kitchens and seasonal cooking

• Proven leadership ability to coach and motivate diverse kitchen teams

• Experience with budgeting, food cost tracking, and vendor management

• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain)

• Passion for hospitality and craft beer

Why Join Barrel One Collective?

Barrel One Collective, the team behind leading craft beverage and hospitality brands like Harpoon, Long Trail, Smuttynose, and more. We believe in creating guest-focused spaces where amazing beer and food bring people together. As part of our growing collective, you'll have the opportunity to lead, collaborate, and make a real impact in a fast-moving, people-first environment.