Kitchen Manager

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Whitestown (IN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaizen Lab Inc. is seeking a Kitchen Manager for their Paws On Tap location in Whitestown, Indiana. This role requires overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and managing staff in a unique, execution-focused environment. It’s ideal for someone with experience in fast-paced settings who takes pride in maintaining high standards.

While the compensation is not at the market's top end, it offers ownership of kitchen operations with a clear path for growth based on performance.

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to manage workflows and maintain consistency.
• Strong focus on kitchen cleanliness and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure food quality.
• Manage kitchen staff and maintain workflow efficiency.
• Control food costs and minimize waste.

Skills

Kitchen management

Food quality control

Team leadership

Time management

Food cost management

Job description

Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: Paws On Tap - Whitestown, IN
Type: Full-Time

About Paws On Tap:

Paws On Tap is a dog-friendly self-pour taproom and beer garden focused on simple, high-quality food and efficient execution.

Guests control their own pours, order food from their phones, and enjoy a clean, safe environment designed for both people and their dogs.

This is not a traditional kitchen.

We operate with:

• A focused, streamlined menu
• TurboChef ovens (no fryer or grill)
• Mobile ordering and ticket flow
• A high standard for consistency and speed

We are building something unique and are looking for a Kitchen Manager who wants to help execute it at a high level from day one.

The Role:

You are responsible for running a clean, efficient, and consistent kitchen operation.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You will manage the team, own the workflow, and ensure food is executed correctly every time.

You are not creating a menu. You are executing it at a high level every day.

What This Role Is (and Isn’t):

This is an execution-focused kitchen, not a chef-driven environment.

Compensation is not at the top of the market for experienced kitchen leaders. In exchange, you’ll have ownership of the kitchen operation, the ability to build a disciplined team, and a clear path to grow as the business scales.

If you’re looking for creative control over menus or a traditional chef role, this isn’t the right fit.

If you take pride in running a tight, efficient kitchen and being accountable for its performance, we should talk.

What You'll Own:

• Daily kitchen operations and food execution
• Prep, workflow, and station organization
• Food quality and consistency
• Ticket time and throughput
• Inventory and ordering
• Food cost and waste control
• Training and managing kitchen staff
• Maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards

What We're Looking For:

• Experience in a fast-paced kitchen (fast casual, bar, or similar)
• Strong focus on consistency, speed, and organization
• Ability to manage a small team and keep things running smoothly
• Understanding of food cost, portioning, and waste reduction
• Low ego, team-first mentality

What Matters Most:

• You execute consistently under pressure
• You value doing simple things really well
• You keep a kitchen organized and efficient at all times
• You take pride in speed, cleanliness, and reliability

Compensation:

• Salary: $36,000 - $40,000 (based on experience)
• Performance incentives tied to food cost and efficiency
• Clear path to increased compensation and responsibility based on performance