Kitchen Manager

Alma; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ALMA in San Luis Obispo is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead our back-of-house operations and ensure every dish meets our standards with care and speed.

You will bridge the kitchen and cafe leadership, mentor the BOH team, maintain food safety, manage prep, plating, and catering orders, and uphold our values of Authenticity, Respect, and Enthusiasm.

Commitment to seasonal ingredients and local sourcing is essential, as is a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of supervisory experience in a cafe, coffeehouse, or kitchen environment.
• ServSafe Manager certification (training + exam provided).
• Experience with Toast POS and inventory management.
• Passion for seasonal produce and local sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Act as the go-to person in the kitchen during your shift, keeping the team on track so that orders come out at the right pace.
• Lead by example with warmth and genuine hospitality, inspiring the team to make every guest feel welcome and valued.
• Manage the daily rhythm of prep, cooking, and plating to deliver high quality dishes throughout the shift.
• Help the team stay updated on daily specials or menu changes based on seasonal changes.
• Support expediting as needed; monitor ticket times and menu availability, communicating with FOH team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food safety

Scheduling

Team development

Education

ServSafe Manager certification

Tools

Toast POS

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Description: Kitchen Manager

Reports To: Cafe General Manager, Blue Mango Executive Team

Job Status: Full Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

ALMA ("soul" in Spanish and Portuguese) is a neighborhood coffeehouse built around the heart of a farmers market - rooted in community, seasonal produce from local farms and makers, and genuine hospitality. With an excellent coffee program, baked goods, savory menus, takeout, and a small beer and wine list, we aim to be a warm and welcoming spot for both locals and tourists in San Luis Obispo.

We are currently seeking a kitchen manager to join our team!

The Role:

Reporting to the Cafe GM, the Kitchen Manager acts as the "point person" for all back of house activity. You will bridge the gap between the kitchen and FOH leadership, ensuring that all dine-in guests and takeout/catering orders alike receive the same level of quality. This is a role for a leader who enjoys the craft of a small kitchen. You'll be responsible for directing the flow of orders, keeping prep on track, and mentoring the team to keep our standards high without losing the personal touch that defines our cafe.

Our three core values shape everything we do: Authenticity, Respect, & Enthusiasm.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Service Leadership & Flow

• Act as the go-to person in the kitchen during your shift, keeping the team on track so that orders come out at the right pace
• Lead by example with warmth and genuine hospitality, inspiring the team to make every guest feel welcome and valued
• Manage the daily rhythm of prep, cooking, and plating to deliver high quality dishes throughout the shift
• Help the team stay updated on daily specials or menu changes based on seasonal changes
• Support expediting as needed; monitor ticket times and menu availability, communicating with FOH team
• Keep the opening/closing docs updated and make sure the next shift knows exactly what's prepped and what's 86'd
• Proactively prioritize orders, adjust workflow, and prevent service bottlenecks
• Address operational issues in real time and elevate to GM as appropriate

Quality Standards & Food Safety

• Ensure all recipes, prep, and food execution meet established specifications and quality standards
• Set the standard for a clean kitchen by modeling excellent food safety habits and making sure the team treats our equipment with care
• Keep an eye on our facility/equipment, noting any maintenance needs in MaintainX
• Oversee and monitor daily prep levels and product usage to avoid shortages, over prep, or unnecessary waste
• Execute orders with a focus on all service channels, from plated meals to catering and delivery

Training & Team Development

• Support the training and development of the BOH team, helping new hires feel confident in their roles
• Assist the GM with BOH coaching, performance accountability, and participating in the hiring and onboarding process
• Model reliability and accountability in your attendance, communication, and overall work ethic
• Keep positive, professional relationships across both FOH and BOH teams

Required Skills and Abilities:

• 1-2 years of supervisory experience in a cafe, coffeehouse, or kitchen environment
• A genuine passion for great food, seasonal produce, specialty coffee, and local sourcing
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a coach's mentality and the ability to give feedback with compassion and directness
• A natural ability to anticipate the needs of guests and the team
• Comfortable using Toast POS and Google Workspace for daily reporting, ordering, and inventory
• Dedication to creating a positive, productive environment that reflects our culture and standards
• Proactive and self-motivated, with strong integrity and a collaborative mindset
• Practical knowledge of how to manage labor, waste, and food costs to support the kitchen's success
• Experience with scheduling, labor compliance, and basic HR responsibilities like training and coaching
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation; ServSafe Manager certification required (training + exam provided)
• A proactive, reliable leader who stays composed and professional during busy shifts
• Organized and accurate when it comes to ordering, inventory counts, and shift documentation
• Energized by ambitious goals and always looking for ways to improve
• Flexible availability, including mornings, weekends, and holidays

Physical Requirements:

• High level of stamina to work on feet for extended periods (be able to work in a standing, upright position for long periods of time up to 8 hours
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, and transport furniture, equipment, and deliveries up to 50 pounds

Disclaimer

This description includes essential functions. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. In accordance with California law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all.

We welcome applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

ALMA offers reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.