Kitchen Manager / Head Chef

Workstream; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discounts

Career growth

Leadership training

Team environment

Multi-unit growth

Job summary

Altura Concepts is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager / Head Chef to lead culinary operations across our family of full-service restaurants, lounges, and fast-casual concepts. This hands-on leader will drive food quality, consistency, sanitation, and cost control while building a strong culinary team.

The role requires strong leadership, organizational and communication skills, with a focus on hospitality and excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading kitchen teams in fast-paced environments.
• Proven ability to control food costs and manage inventory.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily back-of-house operations.
• Maintain food quality, portions, and presentation.
• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff.
• Manage inventory, purchasing, and waste.
• Monitor labor and scheduling requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Maintain organized kitchen and storage areas.
• Collaborate with General Manager and FOH.
• Address equipment and staffing concerns promptly.
• Foster teamwork and a culture of excellence.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Food cost management

Staff development

Food safety standards

High-volume operations

Problem-solving

Education

Culinary degree preferred

Tools

Inventory software

Recipe costing

Labor scheduling software

Job description

Job Title:Kitchen Manager / Head Chef

Location:Altura Concepts – Various Locations

Reports To:General Manager / Director of Operations

Employment Type:Full-Time

Job Summary

Altura Concepts is seeking an experienced and motivatedKitchen Manager / Head Chefto lead culinary operations across our family offull-service restaurants, lounges, and fast-casual concepts. This position is responsible for food quality and consistency, kitchen leadership, labor and food cost management, inventory, sanitation, and overall back-of-house performance. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can develop a strong culinary team while maintaining Altura Concepts' standards for quality, efficiency, cleanliness, and hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily back-of-house operations.
• Maintain food quality, consistency, portioning, and presentation standards.
• Recruit, train, schedule, coach, and develop kitchen employees.
• Conduct line checks and ensure stations are properly prepared for service.
• Manage food cost, waste, inventory, purchasing, and portion control.
• Monitor kitchen labor and scheduling based on business needs.
• Maintain proper inventory levels and oversee receiving and product rotation.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department standards.
• Maintain clean and organized kitchens, walk-ins, freezers, and storage areas.
• Monitor ticket times and kitchen execution during service.
• Ensure standardized recipes and company procedures are followed.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and front-of-house leadership to ensure smooth operations.
• Address equipment, staffing, product quality, and operational concerns promptly.
• Build a positive kitchen culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and excellence.

Qualifications

• Previous Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, Sous Chef, Executive Chef, or similar leadership experience required.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, food preparation, and culinary techniques.
• Experience managing food cost, inventory, purchasing, labor, and scheduling.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop kitchen teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Food Manager Certification or ability to obtain as required.

Preferred Skills

• 3+ years of restaurant kitchen leadership experience.
• Experience in high-volume full-service or fast-casual restaurants.
• Culinary degree or formal training is a plus but not required.
• Experience with recipe costing, inventory systems, and labor management.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work around hot surfaces, kitchen equipment, and sharp tools.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced commercial kitchen environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Opportunities for career advancement within Altura Concepts.
• Training and leadership development.
• Employee dining discounts at participating locations.
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Opportunities to grow into senior or multi-unit leadership positions.

Est. in 2016, Our collection of restaurants includes some of the Valley's most well-known and relaxed full-service dining brands. We aim to provide a memorable experience for everyday moments and special celebrations by offering exceptional dining experiences and elevated cuisine dishes. Our focus is on culinary excellence, attentive service, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.