Kitchen Manager

NICK MIKE BAR AND GRILL; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Nick & Mike Bar and Grill in Charlotte, NC is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead a high-volume, small-footprint kitchen. This hands-on leadership role oversees food quality, kitchen efficiency, staff performance, and cost control while maintaining safety standards.

The Kitchen Manager will operate as a working manager, stepping in on the line as needed, training BOH staff, enforcing health regulations, and partnering with FOH leadership to ensure smooth service and guest satisfaction

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of kitchen management or lead cook experience.
• Strong background in high-volume restaurant kitchens.
• ServSafe Manager Certification required or must obtain.
• Solid understanding of food cost, inventory, and labor control.
• Ability to lead, train, and hold staff accountable.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Calm, professional demeanor under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations during service and prep.
• Ensure recipes, portions, and quality standards are met.
• Maintain speed and accuracy during high-volume service.
• Step in on the line to support the team.
• Hire, train, schedule, and discipline BOH staff.
• Set clear expectations for cooks and prep staff.
• Lead by example in work ethic and accountability.
• Provide ongoing training on food safety and sanitation.
• Enforce health department and sanitation standards.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and receiving.
• Control food cost via portioning and waste reduction.
• Monitor invoices and report discrepancies.
• Maintain organized storage in limited space.
• Ensure equipment is clean, safe, and operational.
• Report maintenance issues promptly.
• Communicate with FOH managers during service.
• Participate in management meetings and planning.

Skills

Kitchen management

High-volume kitchens

ServSafe Manager

Cost control

Inventory management

Staff leadership

Time management

Calm under pressure

Job description

Kitchen Manager

Nick & Mike Bar and Grill – Charlotte, NC

Nick & Mike Bar and Grill is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead our high-volume, small-footprint kitchen in Charlotte. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for food quality, kitchen efficiency, staff performance, food safety, and cost control.

Our kitchen produces a large amount of food in a tight space, so we are looking for a manager who is organized, decisive, calm under pressure, and leads from the line.

Position Summary

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen, including food quality, speed of service, sanitation, inventory control, staff training, and compliance with health and safety regulations. The Kitchen Manager works closely with FOH leadership to ensure smooth service and guest satisfaction.

This is a working manager position, not an office-only role.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Oversee daily kitchen operations during service and prep
• Ensure all food is prepared according to recipes, portion standards, and quality expectations
• Maintain speed, accuracy, and consistency during high-volume service
• Step in on the line as needed to support the team

Staff Leadership & Training

• Hire, train, schedule, and discipline BOH staff in coordination with upper management
• Set clear expectations for cooks and prep staff
• Lead by example in work ethic, professionalism, and accountability
• Conduct ongoing training on food safety, sanitation, and execution

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Enforce all health department, ServSafe, and sanitation standards
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, labeling, and rotation (FIFO)
• Maintain cleaning schedules and inspection readiness at all times
• Address and correct safety violations immediately

Inventory, Ordering & Cost Control

• Manage food inventory, ordering, and receiving
• Control food cost through portioning, waste reduction, and proper storage
• Monitor invoices and report discrepancies
• Maintain organized storage areas despite limited space

Equipment & Maintenance

• Ensure all kitchen equipment is clean, safe, and operational
• Report maintenance issues promptly and follow repair procedures
• Maintain a safe working environment for staff

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate effectively with FOH managers during service
• Address service flow issues quickly and professionally
• Participate in management meetings and planning as required

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of kitchen management or lead cook experience
• Strong background in high-volume restaurant kitchens
• ServSafe Manager Certification (required or must obtain)
• Solid understanding of food cost, inventory, and labor control
• Ability to lead, train, and hold staff accountable
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Calm, professional demeanor under pressure

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods (8–10 hours)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time position
• Nights, weekends, and holidays required
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance-based growth opportunities

Why Work at Nick & Mike Bar and Grill

• Busy kitchen with consistent volume
• Clear expectations and strong ownership support
• Opportunity to make a real impact on operations
• Stable restaurant with growth potential

Nick & Mike Bar and Grill is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is at-will.