Kitchen Manager

SLA Worldwide; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Shift meals

Paid time off

Health benefits

Job summary

A busy airport food service company in Nashville is seeking a hands-on Kitchen Manager to lead back-of-house operations. This key leadership position involves overseeing daily kitchen activities, managing staff, and ensuring food quality and safety compliance. Candidates should have 3-5 years of kitchen leadership experience and thrive in fast-paced environments. The role offers competitive salary, shift meals, paid time off, and opportunities for growth within airport operations.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in kitchen leadership roles (Sous Chef or higher).
• Proven ability to manage kitchen staff and control food and labor costs.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and cooking procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations including kitchen staff management.
• Hire, train, and schedule kitchen staff.
• Maintain food quality and presentation standards.

Skills

Kitchen leadership experience

Food quality management

Team management

High-volume kitchen operations

Job description

Overview

SLA is hiring a hands-on, high-performing Kitchen Manager to lead back-of-house operations at our busy airport location. This is a key leadership position responsible for food quality, kitchen team performance, prep, inventory, and health & safety compliance. Ideal candidates thrive in fast-paced, high-volume environments, and are committed to consistent, high-quality Southern fare with an emphasis on speed, accuracy, and hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations including prep, line, and dish areas.
• Hire, train, and schedule kitchen staff (line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers).
• Maintain food quality and presentation standards in line with brand expectations.
• Conduct inventory checks, place orders, and manage food and labor cost targets.
• Ensure compliance with airport security, health department, and safety standards.
• Work closely with the General Manager and Front-of-House team to execute timely service.
• Support opening and closing procedures; maintain kitchen cleanliness and organization.
• Lead kitchen team by example and resolve conflicts with professionalism.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of kitchen leadership experience (Sous Chef or higher).
• Proven ability to manage kitchen staff and control food/labor costs.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, prep, and cooking procedures.
• Ability to thrive in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.
• Experience with ordering, vendor relationships, and kitchen scheduling.
• Airport or hospitality experience a plus.
• Must pass airport background check and obtain required badging.
• Flexible schedule – early mornings, weekends, and holidays required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience).
• Shift meals and uniform provided.
• Paid time off and health benefits (after probationary period).
• Opportunities for growth within SLA Airport operations.

Note

This position is based inside the airport and requires TSA badging. Applicants must be able to pass a 10-year background check and comply with all airport security protocols.