Kitchen Manager

Principle Business Enterprises, Inc.; Dunbridge (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401k with company match

Profit-sharing bonus

Paid personal and vacation time

Job summary

Principle Business Enterprises, Inc. (PBE) is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead the onsite café operations. You will supervise the café team, manage inventory and purchasing, controls, and compliance while delivering high-quality food and service.

The role reports to the Lead Cook and requires strong people leadership and hands-on involvement when needed. The position emphasizes operational excellence, cost control, and associate development within a team‑oriented, safety‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Direct leadership of café staff and scheduling
• Experience in food service or hospitality operations
• Knowledge of budgeting, inventory, and purchasing processes
• Strong food safety knowledge and certifications preferred

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the café team and Lead Cook
• Lead hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance feedback
• Oversee daily operations, service levels, and cleanliness
• Manage cafe budget, purchasing, and expense reporting
• Analyze sales, procurement, and trends to improve revenue and reduce waste
• Coordinate internal catering and events as needed
• Maintain inventory controls and vendor relationships
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards and certifications
• Provide hands-on food preparation and production support when needed

Skills

People leadership

Food service management

Budgeting

Inventory management

Vendor management

Food safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree preferred

Tools

POS system

Excel

Job description

Principle Business Enterprises (PBE) is looking for a Kitchen Manager to lead the overall operation of our onsite café. In this role, you’ll oversee people leadership, administration, inventory and purchasing, compliance, the associate experience, and food-related Life Uplifted programs. You’ll directly supervise the café team and partner closely with the Lead Cook to deliver consistent daily execution, food quality, and service, while staying ready to support food preparation and production when operational needs require. This role’s schedule is 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What You’ll Do:

People Leadership and Team Development

• Directly supervise the Lead Cook and all Food Services Associates
• Lead hiring, onboarding, scheduling, training, coaching, performance feedback, development, and accountability for the café team
• Establish clear expectations, reinforce service and food safety standards, and promote a respectful, engaged, and team-oriented environment
• Plan staffing and coverage to support daily operations, absences, events, and changing business needs
• Partner with the Lead Cook on skills training, daily performance observations, and development of Food Services Associates
• Oversee day-to-day café operations, service levels, workflow, cleanliness, and readiness across service areas and shifts
• Maintain department schedules, records, procedures, purchasing documentation, expense reporting, and other administrative materials
• Manage the café budget and monitor purchasing, food costs, supplies, waste, and operational expenses
• Manage the café point-of-sale (POS) system, including product setup, pricing updates, troubleshooting, reporting, and coordination with vendors or internal support
• Analyze café sales, purchasing patterns, and operational trends, and turn insights into plans that improve revenue, manage costs, and minimize waste
• Coordinate internal catering and food service requests for meetings, training sessions, events, and company activities
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs and make sure operational issues are addressed promptly
• Gather associate feedback and use it to improve service, offerings, and the overall café experience

Inventory, Stock, and Vendor Management

• Own inventory controls, stock maintenance, ordering, receiving practices, and vendor relationships
• Set inventory levels and ordering routines that support reliable service while reducing expiration, overstock, and food waste
• Ensure proper food storage, labeling, rotation, and First In, First Out (FIFO) practices
• Partner with the Lead Cook to forecast ingredient needs based on menus, production plans, events, and participation

Programs, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement

• Lead food-related Life Uplifted programs and initiatives, including planning, communication, implementation, administration, and ongoing improvement
• Coordinate programs such as take-home meals, grab-and-go options, hydration support, special events, and other associate-focused food offerings
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, Department of Health, and company requirements
• Maintain required certifications, inspection readiness, and corrective action follow-through
• Identify and implement practical improvements to service, workflow, cost management, quality, and the associate experience

Operational and Culinary Backup

• Maintain working knowledge of daily recipes, production flow, kitchen equipment, and service routines to support or lead operations when needed
• Provide hands‑on food preparation, cooking, service, or coverage as needed
• Take on daily production coordination when the Lead Cook is unavailable

What You Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or relevant certification preferred
• Prior experience leading employees in food service, hospitality, retail, or a similar service operation
• Experience with scheduling, coaching, inventory, ordering, vendors, budgets, and administrative responsibilities
• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and commercial kitchen practices
• Current ServSafe Manager or comparable food safety certification, or the ability to obtain one within a company-defined timeframe
• Strong organization, communication, problem‑solving, and customer service skills
• Experience managing food service programs, internal catering, or employee‑focused hospitality programs preferred
• Experience implementing new services or continuous improvement initiatives preferred
• A welcoming, collaborative approach and alignment with PBE’s Core Values: Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, Teamwork, Commitment, Engagement, Growth & Development, and Excellence

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods and regularly reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work safely around commercial kitchen equipment, heat, cold storage, and cleaning products
• Ability to maintain food service hygiene standards and wear required personal protective equipment, including non‑slip footwear

Join a Team That Changes Lives

Principle Business Enterprises, Inc. (PBE) is a family‑run, value‑driven organization with a deep commitment to improving lives. With over 60 years serving the healthcare field and more than 30 years as a pioneer in incontinence and moisture management solutions, we are proud of the impact our products and people make every day.

We offer excellent health benefits including free access to onsite and local health clinics, paid personal and vacation time, an annual profit‑sharing bonus, a 401k plan with company match, company‑paid disability and life insurance, and more. We foster a supportive environment where safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement come first.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to non‑discrimination in all employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

As a federal contractor, PBE complies with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and hiring process.