Kitchen Manager

SSP Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SSP America in Chicago seeks a Kitchen Manager to lead food production and staff across airport locations, ensuring quality and brand standards.

You’ll recruit, train, and develop a strong team while driving menu development, budgeting, and inventory control. The role emphasizes guest satisfaction and compliance with health regulations.

Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts preferred.
• Minimum 5 years experience in food and beverage kitchen management.
• Leadership: Proven track record in managing a team and handling high-stress situations.
• Culinary Savvy: Knowledge of full-service and quick-service environments; strong planning skills.
• Certifications: Food Handlers Permit and brand certifications as required by law.

Responsibilities

• Lead with excellence: recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff.
• Create memorable menus with a focus on quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Drive financial success by managing budgets and controlling costs.
• Oversee culinary operations, uphold high food and sanitation standards, and ensure health compliance.
• Deliver exceptional guest service through a guest-centric kitchen environment.

Skills

Team leadership

Staff training

Menu development

Food safety

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Bachelor's preferred

Job description

Are you a passionate culinary professional with a flair for leadership? We’re seeking a Kitchen Manager to drive success and innovation in our kitchens, ensuring exceptional food quality and memorable guest experiences across one or multiple airport restaurant locations.

As a Kitchen Manager you’ll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development, all while upholding our brand’s culinary standards.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead with Excellence: Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff, creating a strong, dynamic team dedicated to top-notch service and culinary innovation.
• Create Memorable Menus: Bring your creative touch to menu development, maintaining our commitment to quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Drive Financial Success: Manage budgets, control costs, and maximize profitability by monitoring inventory, labor, and expenses.
• Oversee Culinary Operations: Maintain high food and sanitation standards, resolve quality issues, and ensure compliance with health regulations.
• Deliver Exceptional Guest Service: Foster an environment that prioritizes guest satisfaction, with each meal crafted to exceed expectations.

Qualifications:

• Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts preferred.
• Experience:Minimum5years experience in food and beverage kitchen management required.
• Leadership Skills: Proven track record in managing a team, excellent interpersonal abilities, and skillful in handling high-stress situations.
• Culinary Savvy: Knowledge of both full-service and quick-service environments, with strong organizational and planning skills.
• Certifications: Food Handlers Permit and any brand certifications as required by law.

Why Join Us?

Be a part of a team that celebrates creativity and growth. With us, you’ll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets standards for quality and innovation.

SSP America is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. SSP America will provide reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws.