Kitchen Manager: Lead Kitchen Operations & Profitability (Benefits Eligible)

bluestonestrategy; Clearlake (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

BluestoneStrategy is hiring a Kitchen Manager to lead the daily kitchen operations at Quail Mountain Market in Clear Lake, CA. You will supervise staff, ensure food quality and safety, and manage costs while delivering exceptional guest service.

The role reports to the General Manager and requires 3+ years in kitchen leadership, ServSafe knowledge, and a focus on guest satisfaction. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Culinary education or vocational training preferred.
• Minimum three years of progressively responsible kitchen experience.
• Minimum one year of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Experience managing food costs and inventory.
• Experience with commercial kitchen equipment.
• Experience in a Tribally-owned enterprise or rural context is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and oversee daily kitchen operations.
• Ensure meals are prepared consistently according to recipes, quality standards, and presentation guidelines.
• Monitor food preparation techniques to maintain consistency and efficiency.
• Ensure timely preparation and delivery of food during all operating hours.
• Develop and implement standardized recipes and preparation procedures.
• Monitor portion control to reduce waste and maximize profitability.
• Recruit, interview, train, coach, and supervise kitchen employees.
• Prepare work schedules based on business demands.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching.
• Monitor employee attendance, productivity, and performance.
• Foster a positive work environment emphasizing teamwork and accountability.
• Assist with disciplinary actions in coordination with the General Manager.
• Order food, beverages, and kitchen supplies.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Monitor food costs and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Conduct regular inventory counts.
• Minimize waste through proper storage, rotation, and portion control.
• Monitor vendor deliveries for accuracy and quality.
• Ensure compliance with California health codes and food safety regulations.
• Maintain ServSafe and sanitation standards.
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature controls.
• Maintain cleaning schedules for kitchen equipment and facilities.
• Prepare for and assist during health inspections.
• Assist in developing kitchen budgets.
• Monitor labor costs and scheduling efficiency.
• Control overtime whenever possible.
• Recommend operational improvements to increase efficiency and profitability.
• Ensure guests receive quality food and exceptional service.
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and promptly.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements when appropriate.

Skills

Team leadership

Food cost management

Food safety

Regulatory compliance

Customer service

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Culinary education or vocational training

3+ years kitchen leadership experience

1+ year supervisory/management experience

Experience managing food costs & inventory

Knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment

Experience in tribally-owned enterprise context

Tools

POS systems

Microsoft Office

Inventory software

Job description

BluestoneStrategy is hiring a Kitchen Manager to lead the daily kitchen operations at Quail Mountain Market in Clear Lake, CA. You will supervise staff, ensure food quality and safety, and manage costs while delivering exceptional guest service.

The role reports to the General Manager and requires 3+ years in kitchen leadership, ServSafe knowledge, and a focus on guest satisfaction. Competitive salary and benefits offered.