Kitchen Manager

Talkin' Tacos; Gainesville (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Talkin’ Tacos is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead our back-of-house with confidence and hands-on leadership. You’ll coach the culinary team, oversee daily operations, ensure food quality and safety, and help drive a profitable, high-performing restaurant.

This role demands strong organizational skills, a calm, solutions-oriented approach in a fast-paced setting, and a commitment to developing people, maintaining high standards, and building a culture of learning and accountability across the

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a fast-paced restaurant.
• Strong operational and organizational skills.
• Passion for food, people development, and high standards.
• Ability to stay calm and solutions-oriented on the line.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and direct the kitchen team to execute with speed, quality, and consistency.
• Ensure all food is prepared to Talkin’ Tacos standards—bold flavor, zero shortcuts.
• Maintain compliance with health, safety, and food handling regulations at all levels.
• Oversee training and development of kitchen staff and assist in hiring.

Skills

Leadership

Operational excellence

People development

Food safety & quality

Calm under pressure

Job description

Our Kitchen Manager is a key ingredient in keeping the flavor strong and the operation running smooth. This role leads the heart of our restaurant—the kitchen!

The ideal Kitchen Manager is a hands-on leader who brings confidence, consistency, and hustle to the back of house. You’ll coach and develop the culinary team, oversee daily kitchen operations, protect food quality and safety, and help drive a profitable, high-performing restaurant.

At Talkin’ Tacos, leadership isn’t just about running shifts—it’s about building culture, growing people, and raising the bar.

As part of our management team, you’ll step into a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a clear path for growth. We’re serious about great food, strong teams, and a culture of continuous learning—no bland leadership, no dead ends.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE WORKING HERE!

• Clear career path and leadership development
• A high-energy, growth-minded restaurant culture
• A team that values learning, accountability, and fun

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR!

• A leader who leads from the front and earns respect through action
• Strong operational and organizational skills
• A passion for food, people development, and high standards
• The ability to stay calm, focused, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead, coach, and direct the kitchen team to execute with speed, quality, and consistency
• Ensure all food is prepared to Talkin’ Tacos standards—bold flavor, zero shortcuts
• Maintain full compliance with health, safety, fire, and food handling regulations at all levels (local, state, and federal)
• Execute and uphold kitchen and restaurant policies and procedures during assigned shifts
• Step in on the line when needed and confidently perform all kitchen positions
• Ensure proper food storage, accurate temperatures, and up-to-date recipe books, portions, and ingredients
• Drive accurate daily prep sheets, yield sheets, and conduct monthly inventory
• Anticipate, identify, and solve issues related to inventory, systems, staffing, and execution
• Manage labor costs to meet budgeted goals while protecting food quality and team morale
• Oversee training and development of kitchen team members to build bench strength and future leaders
• Support hiring by interviewing candidates and making thoughtful hiring recommendations