Kitchen Manager at Chama Mama

Wayne State University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Health insurance

401(k) with company matching

Paid time off

Leadership development

Career advancement

Cultural heritage preservation

Job summary

Chama Mama in New York City is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead the Back-of-House, mentor staff, and uphold high culinary standards. You’ll drive daily kitchen operations, ensure recipe and service consistency, and collaborate with restaurant leadership for menu development.

The role requires at least 3 years of kitchen experience and 2 years in a leadership capacity, with strong food safety knowledge. A fast-paced, hospitality-driven environment awaits, with opportunities for growth within the

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional kitchen experience.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or Kitchen Manager experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and Department of Health regulations.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop culinary teams.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, purchasing, labor management, and food cost controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Kitchen Team, supervise and develop Back-of-House staff.
• Drive culinary excellence with consistent quality and recipes.
• Maintain operational excellence including inventory and food cost controls.
• Coordinate with Front-of-House to ensure exceptional guest experiences.
• Champion food safety, sanitation, and compliance, preparing for inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety

Inventory Management

Organization

Communication

Education

DOH Food Protection Certificate

Food Handler Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Restaurant Management Systems

Job description

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At Chama Mama, we do more than prepare food—we preserve culture, create memorable experiences, and bring people together through genuine hospitality.

Inspired by the rich traditions of Georgia, the birthplace of wine, Chama Mama brings authentic Georgian cuisine to New York City with a modern approach while honoring centuries-old recipes and culinary craftsmanship. Every dish reflects our commitment to quality, authenticity, and the Georgian belief that"A Guest Is a Gift from God."

Today, Chama Mama continues to grow across New York City through multiple restaurant locations, a centralized Culinary Lab, bakery operations, and catering services. As we expand, we are looking for passionate culinary leaders who believe that great kitchens are built through teamwork, mentorship, consistency, and pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen.

Who You Are

As a Kitchen Manager, you are more than a kitchen supervisor—you are a leader, coach, mentor, and guardian of quality.

You lead by example, inspire your team during every service, and create a culture built on accountability, respect, and continuous improvement. You understand that every guest experience begins in the kitchen and that consistency, organization, and teamwork are the foundation of an exceptional restaurant.

You take ownership of your kitchen, develop your team, and work closely with restaurant leadership to deliver operational excellence every day.

What You'll Do

Lead the Kitchen Team

• Supervise, coach, and develop all Back-of-House team members.
• Build a positive, accountable, and high-performing kitchen culture.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate culinary team members while supporting their professional growth.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training new BOH employees.

Drive Culinary Excellence

• Lead daily kitchen operations while ensuring smooth and efficient service.
• Maintain consistency in food quality, presentation, recipes, and execution.
• Ensure all recipes, preparation methods, and company standards are followed.
• Partner with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal features, and culinary improvements.

Maintain Operational Excellence

• Manage inventory, purchasing, receiving, and food cost controls.
• Monitor prep production to ensure kitchen readiness for every service.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained and report maintenance needs promptly.
• Coordinate closely with Front-of-House leadership to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Champion Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Ensure compliance with Department of Health regulations and company policies.
• Train and hold team members accountable for safe food handling procedures.
• Prepare the kitchen for inspections while maintaining daily operational excellence.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 3 years of professional kitchen experience.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or Kitchen Manager experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and Department of Health regulations.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop culinary teams.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, purchasing, labor management, and food cost controls.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and restaurant management systems.
• DOH Food Protection Certificate or Food Handler Certification preferred.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

What You'll Receive

At Chama Mama, we believe our people are the heart of our success. We invest in leaders who are passionate about hospitality and committed to continuous growth.

As a Kitchen Manager, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• Paid Time Off.
• Structured culinary leadership development.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our growing restaurant group.
• The opportunity to help preserve and share authentic Georgian culinary traditions.

Our Leadership Principles

At Chama Mama, every culinary leader lives by a few simple beliefs:

• A Guest Is a Gift from God.
• Quality Is Never an Accident.
• Lead by Example.
• Teach Every Day.
• Respect Every Team Member.

Our Leadership Principles

At Chama Mama, our leaders live by a few simple beliefs:

• A Guest Is a Gift from God.
• We Are Cultural Guardians.
• Hospitality Begins with Our Team.
• Lead by Example.
• Never Stop Growing.

Why Chama Mama?

Joining Chama Mama means becoming part of a growing hospitality company with a clear vision for the future. We are building more than restaurants—we are building careers, preserving Georgian culture, and creating unforgettable experiences for our guests every day.

If you're passionate about hospitality, leadership, and developing people, we'd love to meet you.

Grow with Chama Mama. Lead with Purpose. Inspire Through Hospitality.

Chama Mama is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed.