KITCHEN MANAGER

Tailwind Concessions; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company (匹

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (

Job summary

Tailwind Concessions in Lincoln, NE is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead line operations, mentor a culinary team, and elevate food quality and guest service. You will manage daily prep, inventory, and labor while ensuring safety and compliance in a fast-paced airport dining environment.

The role requires a minimum of 2 years of culinary leadership, a current ServSafe Manager Certification, and the ability to pass an airport background check.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional culinary experience; leadership experience preferred.
• Current ServSafe Manager Certification is required.
• Ability to pass a comprehensive airport security background check and badging.
• Stand and walk for 8 hours; ability to lift up to 50 lbs; flexibility for travel schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen team; partner with General Manager to inspire and retain staff.
• Train, mentor, and coach staff for food quality, efficiency, and guest care.
• Create fair schedules aligned with labor targets and flight volumes.
• Oversee daily prep, maintain recipe standards, and monitor service pace.
• Manage inventory, ordering, receiving, storage, and waste reduction.
• Ensure safety, health regulations, and equipment maintenance compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Team Development

Food Quality

Guest Experience

Inventory Management

Cost Control

Safety

Compliance

Education

ServSafe Manager Certification

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

KITCHEN MANAGER

Full Time Lincoln, NE, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 2112

About Tailwind Hospitality

Tailwind Hospitality, Inc is a premier full-service airport concessionaire headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. Founded in 2004, Tailwind specializes in developing, managing, and operating custom food, beverage, and retail concepts across airports and transit hubs nationwide.

About the Role

Are you looking for a Kitchen Manager position that offers daily variety, career advancement, and a genuinely supportive team?

Join Tailwind Concessions, a growing national team spanning coast to coast. As an industry leader in travel dining and retail, we take pride in delivering exceptional culinary experiences to travelers from around the globe. We are seeking a skilled, passionate Kitchen Manager to lead line operations, mentor a high-performing culinary team, and consistently elevate our food quality and guest service.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Partner directly with the General Manager to build, inspire, and retain a high-performing kitchen team.
• Train, mentor, and coach kitchen staff to ensure high standards for food quality, efficiency, and customer care.
• Create fair, efficient work schedules aligned with labor targets and flight traffic volumes.
• Maintain clear daily communication across all shifts to keep operations smooth and cohesive.

Culinary Excellence & Guest Experience

• Oversee daily food preparation, ensuring consistent taste, presentation, and strict adherence to recipe specifications.
• Monitor service speed and food quality standards during peak hours to elevate the overall guest experience.
• Resolve guest concerns and operational bottlenecks quickly, professionally, and effectively.

Operations, Inventory & Financial Management

• Manage inventory control, including counting stock, placing food orders, receiving deliveries, and managing proper food storage.
• Actively minimize waste, food loss, and supply misuse to protect kitchen profitability.
• Monitor kitchen financial metrics and evaluate operational cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality.

Safety, Compliance & Maintenance

• Enforce strict compliance with local health department regulations and ServSafe standards.
• Ensure all equipment is maintained according to kitchen safety and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Oversee safe, legal, and responsible service standards across all food and beverage operations.
• Perform additional operational duties as assigned by executive leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional culinary experience; previous kitchen leadership or supervisor experience preferred.
• Certifications: Current ServSafe Manager Certification required.
• Background Check: Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive airport security background check and badging process.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand and walk for minimum 8-hour shifts, with frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Availability: Full-time availability (minimum 40 hours/week) with flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as travel schedules dictate.

What We Offer

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (for Full-Time Employees)
• Generous Employee Discounts across location venues

Our Mission & Philosophy

Tailwind brings warm hospitality to its dining spaces through welcoming designs, versatile seating, and carefully crafted menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our offerings feature dietary-friendly choices—including gluten-free, vegetarian, and low-calorie options—alongside beloved local favorites. We understand that every traveler’s journey is unique, whether they have time for a relaxed, full-service dining experience or need a quick, delicious meal before boarding. Whatever our guests need, we are here to deliver.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tailwind Concessions is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming work culture. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact our HR team.