Kitchen Manager

I Hotel; St. Joseph (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar in Champaign, IL seeks a Kitchen Manager to lead a back-of-house team and drive operations at a high volume. You will oversee opening/closing, ensure consistent food quality, manage inventory and costs, and guarantee compliance with safety standards.

The role emphasizes collaboration with front-of-house leadership to deliver an exceptional guest experience. Ideal candidates have 2–3 years of kitchen leadership, strong coaching skills, ServSafe familiarity, and the

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–3 years of kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to hold team members accountable.
• Solid understanding of food safety standards (ServSafe preferred).
• Experience managing inventory, ordering, and cost controls.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop back-of-house team members, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dish staff.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations including opening/closing procedures and shift execution.
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and adherence to recipes and standards.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and product usage to control food cost and minimize waste.
• Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Monitor staffing levels, scheduling, and labor performance to meet business needs.
• Support the line during peak service and ensure efficient ticket times.
• Partner with front-of-house leadership to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Address equipment, maintenance, and operational issues proactively.
• Uphold cleanliness, organization, and safety standards across all kitchen areas.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Food safety

Inventory control

High-volume

Attention to detail

Flexible availability

Job description

Kitchen Manager | Houlihan’s – Champaign, IL

This role is about more than running a kitchen. It’s about leading a high-performing back-of-house team, executing consistently at volume, and delivering a food experience that meets Houlihan’s standards every shift.

We’re looking for a Kitchen Manager who can lead people, manage operations, and maintain quality without stepping away from the line.

What You’ll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop back-of-house team members, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dish staff
• Oversee daily kitchen operations including opening/closing procedures and shift execution
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and adherence to recipes and standards
• Manage inventory, ordering, and product usage to control food cost and minimize waste
• Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
• Monitor staffing levels, scheduling, and labor performance to meet business needs
• Support the line during peak service and ensure efficient ticket times
• Partner with front-of-house leadership to ensure a seamless guest experience
• Address equipment, maintenance, and operational issues proactively
• Uphold cleanliness, organization, and safety standards across all kitchen areas

What You Bring

• Minimum of 2–3 years of kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to hold team members accountable
• Solid understanding of food safety standards (ServSafe preferred)
• Experience managing inventory, ordering, and cost controls
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• High attention to detail, organization, and consistency
• Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and peak business periods

What You Get

• Competitive salary and bonus potential
• Health benefits, 401(k), and paid time off for eligible employees
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization

Additional Information

• Pay will be discussed during the hiring process and based on experience and qualifications
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and perform physical job duties
• Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law
• Houlihan’s is an equal opportunity employer

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar features a vibrant atmosphere and irresistible American cuisine. Located directly south of the State Farm Center and on the main floor of the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center, this contemporary restaurant in Champaign includes an energetic dining room, bustling bar, and cozy outdoor patio to dine al fresco during warmer weather.
Offering delicious appetizers, exceptional entrées, and decadent desserts, our diverse selections are exclusively prepared from scratch using the highest quality ingredients to satisfy your cravings.