Kitchen Manager

Sister Lakes Brewing Company; Dowagiac (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Sister Lakes Brewing Company in Dowagiac, MI is seeking a hands-on Kitchen Manager to lead culinary operations in a fast-paced brewery environment. Responsible for delivering high-quality food that complements craft beers, you will manage staff, menus, and kitchen systems.

This full-time role emphasizes strong leadership, SOPs, health and safety compliance, and cost control, with collaboration across marketing and events to support catering.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing kitchen or restaurant operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Deep understanding of food safety standards and labor cost management.
• Ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining quality and team morale.

Responsibilities

• Hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff to build a high-performing team.
• Create and manage staff schedules for optimal workflow.
• Conduct performance evaluations and resolve personnel issues professionally.
• Foster clear communication between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Oversee food preparation to ensure consistency and excellence.
• Enforce recipe adherence and presentation standards.

Skills

Kitchen management

Leadership

Staff training

Food safety

Budget awareness

Communication

Job description

About Us:

Sister Lakes Brewing Company is a vibrant craft brewery nestled in the heart of the community, known for its unique flavors and artisanal approach to brewing. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming atmosphere where friends and family gather to enjoy great beer and food, making every visit a memorable experience.

Kitchen Manager - Employment Type: Full-Time

We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Kitchen Manager to lead our brewery’s culinary operations. This role is ideal for a hands‑on leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and takes pride in delivering consistent, high‑quality food that complements our craft beer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Staff & Operations Management

• Hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff to build a high-performing team
• Create and manage staff schedules, assigning daily tasks for optimal workflow
• Conduct performance evaluations and resolve personnel issues professionally
• Foster clear communication between kitchen and front‑of‑house teams

Food Quality & Culinary Standards

• Work with food service partners to develop and implement seasonal menus and rotating specials while managing food costs
• Collaborate with Marketing & Events Coordinator to execute catering and banquet offerings
• Create and maintain SOPs and checklists to ensure operational consistency
• Oversee food preparation and execution to ensure consistency and excellence
• Enforce recipe adherence and presentation standards aligned with brand expectations

Inventory & Cost Control

• Monitor inventory levels, conduct regular stock audits, and order supplies as needed
• Manage food costs, portion control, and waste reduction to meet budget targets
• Manage vendor relationships, purchasing, receiving, and quality control
• Ensure proper food storage and monitor expiration dates for safety and efficiency

Health & Safety Compliance

• Enforce strict food safety and sanitation protocols across all kitchen operations, Maintaining a clean, organized, and well-functioning kitchen environment
• Maintain a safe working environment for all kitchen staff
• Stay current with local health department regulations and ensure full compliance
• Maintain ServSafe certification for self and full-time kitchen staff

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing kitchen or restaurant operations
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Deep understanding of food safety standards and labor cost management
• Ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining quality and team moral