Kitchen Operations Manager

Stretch Zone; Wahiawa (HI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Bonus based on performance

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Free food & snacks

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

Job summary

Restaurant 604 is seeking a Kitchen Operations Manager in Hawaii to lead kitchen operations, oversee staff, and manage labor, inventory, and costs. You will ensure food safety, quality, and compliance while supporting the Kitchen Manager and team.

The role requires 3+ years in kitchen supervision, strong leadership, and excellent communication in a fast-paced environment. This is a salaried, exempt position with opportunities for growth and a focus on guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience as a Line Cook, Lead, Supervisor, or equivalent role.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the direct supervisor for dishwashers and line cooks, providing leadership, direction, and performance oversight.
• Lead kitchen operations during assigned shifts and act as manager on duty when the Kitchen Manager is not present.
• Direct, prioritize, and oversee kitchen staff to ensure service execution, cleanliness, and food safety standards are met.
• Manage labor deployment within established labor budgets and staffing plans to maintain operational efficiency.
• Make real-time labor adjustments during service to support productivity, service flow, and cost control.
• Coach, train, and evaluate kitchen staff; independently issue and document written corrective actions in accordance with company policy.
• Recommend disciplinary action and terminations for direct reports, with recommendations given substantial weight.
• Participate meaningfully in interviewing, onboarding, and development of back-of-house hourly employees.
• Own and lead the kitchen inventory control and reconciliation process, including weekly counts, variance analysis, and corrective action.
• Place and manage food, produce, and supply orders within approved vendor programs and budget parameters.
• Reconcile invoices, verify deliveries, and resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor food cost, waste, and inventory levels and communicate trends and risks to management.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Communication

Food safety

Inventory management

Recipe calculations

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

G-Suite

Restaurant management software

POS systems

Job description

Company Overview

Founded in 2016, Restaurant 604 offers the best waterfront dining experience for military families, local residents, and those just passing through to enjoy a quality meal with excellent service. Our success comes from the loyalty and dedication of our team, the ohana. We are proud to employ nearly 300 team members, making 604 one of Hawaii’s largest locally-owned restaurant operators. Together, we strive to impact our community by becoming one of the best workplaces in Hawaii. The success of Restaurant 604 launched the family of 604 restaurants that includes 604 Express, The Beach House by 604, Mangiamo by 604, 60fore Bar & Grill, 604 Ale House, 604 Clubhouse, and 604LOHA Grill. Our family of restaurants features an enjoyable experience for all with great food, live music, breathtaking views, and exceptional service with Aloha.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

Benefits/Perks For Eligible Employees

• Paid Time Off
• Bereavement Leave
• Emergency Days
• Referral Program
• Employee Discounts
• Skechers Direct Program
• Management Bonus Program
• Medical/Dental Benefits
• Group Life Insurance
• Universal Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• 401(k)

Kitchen Operations Manager

Summary Of Functions

The Kitchen Operations Manager (KOM) is an exempt, salaried management position responsible for managing assigned kitchen operations and systems. This role supports the Kitchen Manager by managing labor deployment, inventory control, ordering, compliance execution, and the day-to-day supervision of kitchen staff during assigned shifts. The Kitchen Operations Manager exercises independent judgment within established policies, procedures, and budgets to ensure operational efficiency, cost control, and consistent execution of standards. This is a working, servant-leader role that leads alongside the team while maintaining accountability for people, process, and performance.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as the direct supervisor for dishwashers and line cooks, providing leadership, direction, and performance oversight.
• Lead kitchen operations during assigned shifts and act as manager on duty when the Kitchen Manager is not present.
• Direct, prioritize, and oversee kitchen staff to ensure service execution, cleanliness, and food safety standards are met.
• Manage labor deployment within established labor budgets and staffing plans to maintain operational efficiency.
• Make real-time labor adjustments during service to support productivity, service flow, and cost control.
• Coach, train, and evaluate kitchen staff; independently issue and document written corrective actions in accordance with company policy.
• Recommend disciplinary action and terminations for direct reports, with recommendations given substantial weight.
• Participate meaningfully in interviewing, onboarding, and development of back-of-house hourly employees.
• Own and lead the kitchen inventory control and reconciliation process, including weekly counts, variance analysis, and corrective action.
• Place and manage food, produce, and supply orders within approved vendor programs and budget parameters.
• Reconcile invoices, verify deliveries, and resolve discrepancies.
• Monitor food cost, waste, and inventory levels and communicate trends and risks to management. - Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, and applicable health regulations. - Maintain inspection readiness at all times.
• Work alongside the kitchen team in a leadership, training, and support capacity as operational needs require.
• Uphold and model all Company core values.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of 3 years' experience as a Line Cook, Lead, Supervisor, or equivalent role

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of cooking techniques, ingredients, equipment, and kitchen procedures
• Proven ability to lead and manage kitchen staff effectively
• Ability to remain calm, accurate, and decisive in high-pressure situations
• Familiarity with industry best practices and food safety standards
• Working knowledge of computer systems, including G-Suite, restaurant management software, and POS systems
• Strong communication skills; must be able to read, write, and communicate clearly in English
• Basic math skills, including units of measurement and recipe calculations
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, including effective interaction with front-of-house staff
• Passion for food service, hospitality, and guest satisfaction
• Ability to supervise staff, manage performance, and issue corrective action.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment within established policies and budgets.

Physical & Other Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift, stoop, bend, and perform repetitive motions
• Manual dexterity and hand coordination for fast-paced production
• Valid health card or equivalent certification required
• Reliable and punctual attendance.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and extended shifts as required by business needs.

EXEMPTION & COMPLIANCE NOTICE

This position is classified as Exempt (Administrative / Managerial) under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Exempt status is based on the role's primary duties, which include direct supervision of staff, management of labor deployment, inventory control, ordering, compliance execution, and the exercise of independent judgment on operational matters. The role is evaluated on leadership effectiveness and operational outcomes rather than hours worked or routine production output.