Kitchen Manager

Woods & Co; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Woods & Co Recruitment seeks an experienced Kitchen & Culinary Operations leader to drive high-volume catering and event operations in NYC. You will oversee daily kitchen activities, lead menu development, manage purchasing and inventory, and partner with FOH and beverage teams to ensure flawless execution at events.

The role emphasizes staff leadership, cost control, and adherence to food safety standards across large-scale events, with opportunities to mentor a diverse kitchen team.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in kitchen management or culinary operations
• Strong knowledge of NYC food safety, sanitation standards, and health regulations
• Experience managing inventory, food and labor costs, purchasing, and vendor relationships
• Demonstrated ability to lead, hire, train, and develop kitchen teams while maintaining operational excellence
• Experience coordinating with FOH and beverage teams for events

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food prep, quality, and presentation standards
• Collaborate on menu development, ingredient sourcing, and kitchen innovation
• Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory control procedures
• Monitor and analyze food and labor costs, identifying savings opportunities
• Supervise, hire, onboard, and train kitchen staff and leadership
• Assist in coordinating and supporting off-premise and on-site events
• Work with FOH and beverage teams on menu and operational collaboration

Skills

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Inventory management

Cost control

Vendor relationships

Team development

Tools

ADP

When I Work

Job description

Woods & Co Recruitment is excited to be recruiting for a Kitchen & Culinary Operations professional to join a dynamic and high-volume catering and event environment. We are looking for someone passionate about culinary excellence, operational efficiency, and team leadership. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned culinary professional to lead kitchen operations, develop innovative menus, and ensure the seamless execution of high-profile events. If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and have a strong background in culinary management, we want to hear from you.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work in a vibrant, fast-paced environment with high-profile clients.
• Lead and implement seasonal menus and culinary innovations.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a diverse kitchen team.
• Contribute to operational excellence, food safety, and cost control.
• Build strong vendor relationships and negotiate contracts beneficial to the business.
• Support your career growth with ongoing training and development opportunities.

What you’ll do:

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food prep, quality, and presentation standards.
• Collaborate on menu development, ingredient sourcing, and kitchen innovation.
• Manage purchasing, vendor relationships, and inventory control procedures.
• Monitor and analyze food and labor costs, identifying savings opportunities.
• Supervise, hire, onboard, and train kitchen staff and leadership.
• Assist in coordinating and supporting off-premise and on-site events.
• Work with FOH and beverage teams on menu and operational collaboration.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven leadership experience as a Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or Culinary Operations Manager.
• Strong knowledge of NYC food safety, sanitation standards, and health regulations.
• Experience managing inventory, food and labor costs, purchasing, and vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, hire, train, and develop kitchen teams while maintaining operational excellence.
• Experience supporting large-scale events (150–700+ guests) and coordinating with FOH and beverage teams.
• Familiarity with scheduling and inventory systems, such as ADP and When I Work.

Woods & Co Recruitment is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate and proudly encourage applications from everyone—including individuals from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities of all ages.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.