Lakeside Executive Chef & Kitchen Leader

Smoke On The Water BBQ - Okauchee; Okauchee Lake (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Work-Life Balance

Creative Freedom

Beautiful Lakeside Workplace

Free Meals & Perks

Growth Potential

Job summary

Smoke on the Water in Okauchee Lake, WI is seeking an Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead our scratch-made kitchen, design specials, and elevate the dining experience. You’ll mentor a talented team, manage food costs, oversee smoking techniques, and coordinate catering for events, while delivering bold flavors in a lively lakeside setting.

In this role you will drive culinary innovation, maintain quality and consistency, and ensure a successful, high-energy operation that resonates with our

Qualifications

• 5+ years of executive kitchen leadership experience.
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Passion for scratch-made food and high-quality ingredients.
• Knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and scheduling.
• Experience with smoked meats, BBQ, and catering is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Inspire – Manage and mentor a hardworking kitchen team, fostering a culture of teamwork, efficiency, and passion for great food.
• Menu & Culinary Creativity – Oversee menu execution, develop innovative daily specials, and ensure top-notch quality in every dish.
• Scratch-Made Excellence – Maintain high standards in our scratch kitchen, ensuring adherence to recipes, prep lists, and proper smoking techniques.
• Operations & Cost Control – Manage food costs, inventory, ordering, and waste reduction to ensure efficiency and profitability.
• Scheduling & Staffing – Create effective schedules that align with business needs and maintain labor budgets.
• Catering & Special Events – Lead kitchen operations for our private events and special occasions, delivering an unforgettable experience for guests.
• Team Player – Willing to work alongside teammates in the kitchen when needed.
• Lake Vibes & Customer Satisfaction – Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service, happy guests, and a kitchen that thrives in our lively, high-energy atmosphere.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team-building

Scratch-made cooking

Cost control

Cooking with smoked meats

Job description

Smoke on the Water in Okauchee Lake, WI is seeking an Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead our scratch-made kitchen, design specials, and elevate the dining experience. You’ll mentor a talented team, manage food costs, oversee smoking techniques, and coordinate catering for events, while delivering bold flavors in a lively lakeside setting.

In this role you will drive culinary innovation, maintain quality and consistency, and ensure a successful, high-energy operation that resonates with our