Kitchen Manager

Kona Grill - Woodbridge; Woodbridge Township (NJ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Annual kicker bonuses (up to $16K)

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) Plan

Dining discounts / onsite meals

Paid Time Off

EAP

Commuter benefits

Dependent care benefits

Job summary

The One Group is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead culinary operations, create high-quality menus, and maintain cost efficiency while delivering exceptional guest experiences. You will balance hands-on cooking with team leadership and operational expertise in a dynamic, upscale setting.

Ideal candidates have strong leadership, menu development prowess, and a proven track record in cost control and safety compliance across a fast-paced kitchen.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of executive chef or senior kitchen leadership in high-volume upscale dining.
• Proven ability to lead and develop culinary teams in a fast-paced setting.
• Expertise in kitchen operations, food cost management, and financial accountability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations ensuring high-quality food production and presentation.
• Execute line positions when needed and support kitchen during peak hours.
• Develop seasonal menus and maintain cost efficiency and safety standards.
• Train, mentor, and schedule the kitchen team; lead monthly kitchen meetings.
• Engage guests and collaborate with events/marketing for promotions.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team leadership

Operations management

Guest engagement

Food cost control

Tools

Restaurant POS

Job description

Lead the Culinary Experience at the Global Leader in Vibe Dining!

Why Join Our Team?

• Industry-Leading Compensation Package
  • Up to 25% of the base salary in performance-based bonuses
  • $16K annually in monthly kicker bonuses
• Comprehensive Benefits Package
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Group Life and Disability Insurance
  • Group Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) Plan
• Exclusive Perks & Growth Opportunities
  • Employee Dining Discounts and/or Complimentary Onsite Meals
  • Career Development & Limitless Growth Opportunities
  • If you reside in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, or Washington, D.C., you are entitled to Paid Sick Time in accordance with state and local regulations.
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Commuter and Dependent Care Benefits

What You’ll Do

As the Kitchen Manager at THE ONE GROUP, you are the culinary leader, responsible for creating and executing a high-quality menu, maintaining cost efficiency, and ensuring exceptional guest experience. This role requires a balance of hands‑on cooking, team leadership, and operational expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Culinary Leadership & Execution
  • Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food production, consistency, and presentation
  • Execute all line positions when needed and support the kitchen team during peak hours
  • Ensure all menu items are prepared to the highest standards and lead to the creation of seasonal specials
  • Conduct line checks to ensure temperature accuracy, food freshness, and plating consistency
  • Expedite orders efficiently while maintaining smooth kitchen workflow
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Train, mentor, and motivate the kitchen team, ensuring a culture of excellence and teamwork
  • Inspire and develop chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff through hands‑on leadership and coaching
  • Create and oversee weekly employee schedules, ensuring optimal staffing levels
  • Hold monthly kitchen meetings to address team goals, performance, and feedback
• Operational & Financial Management
  • Manage food costs, payroll, and inventory, ensuring profitability without compromising quality
  • Work closely with the purchasing team to ensure the availability of top-quality ingredients
  • Oversee health and safety standards, ensuring compliance with local and corporate food safety guidelines
  • Prevent unnecessary expenses by monitoring kitchen breakage and waste reduction strategies
• Guest Engagement & Brand Representation
  • Act as a culinary ambassador for THE ONE GROUP, engaging with guests and VIPs to enhance the dining experience
  • Collaborate with the Events & Marketing team to create seasonal menu updates and special event offers
  • Represent THE ONE GROUP in media appearances, community events, and restaurant promotions

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of Executive Chef or high‑level kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume, upscale dining environment
• Proven ability to lead and develop culinary teams in a fast‑paced, dynamic setting
• Expertise in kitchen operations, food cost management, and financial accountability
• Strong culinary creativity and menu development skills
• Exceptional leadership, problem‑solving, and communication abilities
• Hands‑on approach, with the ability to work on the line and execute all kitchen positions when necessary
• SERV Safe certification and comprehensive food safety knowledge
• Experience with restaurant POS and inventory systems

Why THE ONE GROUP is Your Next Career Move

This is more than a job—it’s a career opportunity with limitless potential in an expanding global brand.

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