Kithchen/Smokehouse manager

Picnic; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health HSA

Paid time off

Job summary

Picnic in Durham, NC is seeking a Kitchen/Smokehouse Manager to lead our team from receiving to the fork. You will oversee daily kitchen operations, manage staff, and ensure top-quality, safe, and delicious results from our wood-fired, whole hog barbecue. Strong leadership and a calm, problem-solving mindset are essential.

Ideal candidates bring experience in wood fire and smoke, a passion for food, and a commitment to exceptional dining experiences in a community-focused restaurant environment.

Qualifications

• 2 years or more of kitchen management experience or similar role.
• Strong leadership skills to motivate a team.
• Deep understanding of food safety and kitchen best practices.
• Good problem-solving abilities and composure under pressure.
• Spanish language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing daily kitchen operations, including food preparation and cooking.
• Mentoring and managing kitchen staff to foster collaboration and efficiency.
• Maintaining high standards of food quality, safety, and sanitation.
• Monitoring inventory and coordinating with suppliers for proper stock levels.
• Ensuring the smokehouse runs efficiently and produces consistently delicious results.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Team motivation

Problem solving

Calm under pressure

Spanish (bonus)

Job description

Join Our Team as a Kitchen/Smokehouse Manager at Picnic in Durham, NC!

Picnic has been smoking Eastern North Carolina style, whole hog barbecue over wood coals since 2016. We are a community oriented restaurant, working with local farmers who provide sustainable, pasture-raised meats that consumers can trust were raised humanely in a spirit of fairness and stewardship.

We are consistently voted best barbecue in Durham and have received national accolades in Southern Living, Garden and Gun and National Geographic. We take great pride in our role as stewards of a long standing North Carolina tradition.

Our Kitchen and Smokehouse manager will lead our team in every aspect of food production, from receiving to the fork. We are looking for someone with experience in managing wood fire, smoke, and whole hog barbecue. It is hard work. Pride and attitude go a long way.

What You'll Be Doing

As our Kitchen/Smokehouse Manager, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our kitchen and smokehouse. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing daily kitchen operations, including food preparation and cooking.
• Managing and mentoring kitchen staff to foster a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Maintaining high standards of food quality, safety, and sanitation.
• Monitoring inventory and coordinating with suppliers to ensure proper stock levels.
• Ensuring the smokehouse runs efficiently and produces consistently delicious results.

What We're Looking For

We're searching for someone who brings both skill and passion to the table. The ideal candidate will have:

• While we prefer 2 years of experience in a kitchen management or similar role, the right attitude can go a long way with less experienced applicants
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate a team, Spanish is a plus.
• A deep understanding of food safety and kitchen best practices.
• A knack for problem-solving and staying calm under pressure.
• A love for food and a commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.

Cleanliness, food safety

What We Offer

At Picnic, we value our team members and are proud to offer:

• Health HSA to support your well-being.
• Paid time off so you can recharge and take care of yourself.

Why Work With Us?

At Picnic, we're more than just a restaurant — we're a community. Located in the heart of northern Durham, NC, we take pride in serving delicious food made with care, attention to detail and reverence for the tradition we carry. Our team is passionate, hardworking, and supportive, and we believe in fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. If you're looking for a workplace where your contributions are valued and your love for food is celebrated, Picnic is the place for you!