Schedule: Full-Time | Flexible Availability Required, Including Weekends and Holidays
Proudly Recognized as a 2026 CoVaBIZ Best Place to Work!
Lead the Kitchen. Inspire the Team. Create Exceptional Culinary Experiences!Great hospitality begins with great people—and great food brings everyone together!
At The Founders Inn & Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, we believe every dining experience is an opportunity to create a lasting impression. From beautifully prepared restaurant dishes to memorable weddings, banquets, and special celebrations, our culinary team plays an essential role in delivering exceptional hospitality.
We are looking for a passionate, motivated, and hands‑on Kitchen Manager who loves food, enjoys developing people, and takes pride in maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence.
If you thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen, enjoy leading a team, and are ready to take the next step in your hospitality career, we'd love to meet you!
About the Opportunity
As our Kitchen Manager, you will work closely with the Executive Chef to oversee daily culinary operations, support kitchen associates, and ensure exceptional food quality, presentation, sanitation, and operational efficiency.
This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity for someone who can balance creativity with accountability, inspire a team, and deliver consistent results across our restaurant, room service, banquet, and special event operations.
You'll help maintain Hilton‑aligned service and quality expectations while creating an environment where culinary team members feel supported, motivated, and empowered to succeed.
What You'll Do
- Supervise, train, coach, and motivate culinary associates to maintain a positive, productive, and professional kitchen environment.
- Lead by example through hands‑on participation in food preparation, cooking, plating, and daily kitchen operations.
- Assist the Executive Chef with staffing, scheduling, performance feedback, and employee development.
- Promote teamwork, accountability, respectful communication, and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Provide operational leadership in the Executive Chef's absence.
Deliver Exceptional Culinary Experiences
- Oversee daily food production, preparation, and presentation for restaurant dining, room service, banquets, and special events.
- Ensure consistency in recipes, portion sizes, presentation, taste, and food quality.
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Food & Beverage leadership on menu planning, development, and execution.
- Monitor production needs and communicate daily priorities to the culinary team.
- Support banquet operations, high‑volume events, and special culinary requests.
- Respond proactively to guest feedback and culinary service concerns.
Maintain Operational Excellence
- Assist in managing food costs, labor expenses, inventory, waste reduction, and kitchen productivity.
- Monitor food purchasing, deliveries, product quality, storage, and inventory levels.
- Ensure accurate food preparation and production planning based on business volume and event forecasts.
- Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain profitability.
- Coordinate equipment maintenance and communicate operational needs to the appropriate departments.
- Collaborate with Banquets, Catering, Front Office, and other departments to support seamless hotel operations.
Champion Food Safety & Hilton Hospitality Standards
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen that meets applicable health regulations, food safety requirements, and hotel standards.
- Ensure proper food handling, storage, labeling, temperature controls, and sanitation practices.
- Conduct routine inspections of kitchen areas, equipment, and food storage facilities.
- Reinforce safe work practices and ensure culinary associates receive appropriate training.
- Maintain readiness for health inspections, quality assurance audits, and internal operational reviews.
- Demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a culinary professional who combines strong kitchen operations experience with the ability to lead, develop, and inspire others.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field with at least two years of relevant experience; OR a high school diploma or equivalent with at least five years of relevant culinary experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Previous experience in restaurant, hotel, banquet, or high‑volume culinary operations.
- Strong knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques, sanitation, and kitchen safety standards.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and support culinary team members.
- Experience with food cost controls, inventory management, production planning, and labor efficiency.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining food quality and service standards.
- Computer proficiency and experience with POS systems, including Agilysys.
- Knowledge of applicable food safety and health regulations.
- Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on hotel operations and business needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous kitchen management or culinary supervisory experience.
- Experience working in a Hilton‑branded hotel or similar hospitality environment.
- Experience supporting large banquets, weddings, conferences, and special events.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
- Food safety management certification, such as ServSafe Manager.
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who leads with integrity, takes ownership, values teamwork, and understands that exceptional hospitality begins behind the scenes.
Great hospitality starts with taking care of our people!
At The Founders Inn & Spa, we believe our team members are the heart of our success. As a recognized 2026 CoVaBIZ Best Place to Work, we're proud to provide opportunities that support professional development, personal well‑being, and career advancement.
Benefits and perks for eligible employees include:
- $50,000 Annual Salary: A salaried leadership opportunity.
- 401(k) With Company Match: Invest in your financial future.
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: Coverage options to support your health and well‑being.
- Hilton Team Member Travel Program: Enjoy discounted hotel stays at participating Hilton properties worldwide.
- Paid Time Off: Take time to rest and recharge.
- Complimentary Employee Meals: Enjoy meals during scheduled shifts.
- On-Property Spa & Dining Discounts: Enjoy special savings at our restaurants and spa.
- Regent University Tuition Remission: Educational opportunities for eligible team members.
- Tuition Discounts for Eligible Spouses & Dependents: Additional educational savings for qualifying family members.
- Career Development & Cross-Training: Expand your culinary, hospitality, and leadership skills.
- Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities: Build your future within the hospitality industry.
- Employee Recognition Programs: Be recognized for your dedication, leadership, and outstanding contributions.
Benefits are subject to employment status, plan provisions, and eligibility requirements.
Why Join The Founders Inn & Spa?
At The Founders Inn & Spa, you'll find more than a kitchen management position. You'll find an opportunity to develop your leadership skills, make a meaningful impact, and become part of a team dedicated to creating exceptional experiences.
As part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, we combine the unique character of our property with the warmth, professionalism, and service excellence associated with Hilton.
We take pride in celebrating our people, encouraging professional growth, and creating a workplace where teamwork and dedication make a difference.
Here, your leadership matters. Your creativity matters. And your future matters.
The Founders Inn & Spa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace where all team members are treated with dignity and respect.
This job description summarizes the primary responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Additional related responsibilities may be assigned based on operational needs.
Founders Inn and Spa Tapestry Collection by Hilton