Lead Cook/Kitchen Manager

Craftworx Taproom; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Employee discount

Growth opportunities

Autonomy

Job summary

CraftWorx is seeking a Kitchen Manager / Head Cook to lead operations across Gainesville and Bristow, combining strategic leadership with hands-on cooking.

You will manage prep, line, scheduling, and inventory, ensure health code compliance, and mentor a small team to maintain high standards.

This role offers growth as we expand, with competitive pay and autonomy without corporate red tape.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience as lead line cook, sous chef, or kitchen manager
• Strong cooking fundamentals for fast-casual, high-volume menu
• Experience with smoked meats, griddle, fryers, ovens and kitchen organization
• Natural leadership with coaching and motivating a team
• Reliable, clean, detail-oriented and adaptable as business grows

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations at two locations (Gainesville and Bristow)
• Manage prep, line execution, and shift flow to ensure speed and quality
• Ensure recipes and portions are followed precisely
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen per health codes
• Create prep lists, manage scheduling, and delegate tasks
• Lead and develop a small team of cooks and support staff
• Coordinate with ownership and FOH managers on menu and inventory

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Cooking fundamentals

Food prep & line cook

Inventory & cost control

Menu execution & portion control

Communication

Adaptability

Job description

Gainesville, United States | Posted on 06/19/2025

Are you a passionate cook with leadership chops and a love for great food? Do you take pride in running a clean, efficient kitchen and still enjoy jumping on the line to get things done?

CraftWorx is looking for a skilled, motivated Kitchen Manager / Head Cookto lead kitchen operations across our two locations. We're not looking for clipboard chefs; this role is both strategic and hands-on. You'll help steer the shipandroll up your sleeves when needed.

About Us

CraftWorx Taproom (Gainesville) is a 70-tap self-pour beer and cocktail hall with elevated casual fare, live music, and a lively vibe.

CraftWorx BBQ & Brews (Bristow) is our upcoming KC style BBQ (with beer) concept home to house-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and fan-favorite comfort food

We'relocally owned, team-oriented, and growing and we need a strong kitchen leader to help us continue delivering the quality and consistency our customers expect.

What You'll Be Doing

This is aworking leadership role, responsible for both managing kitchen operations and cooking/prepping alongside the team. Responsibilities include:

Oversee daily kitchen operations at both locations

Manage food prep, line execution, and shift flow to maintain speed and quality

Ensure recipes and portioning are followed precisely

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen in compliance with health codes

Create prep lists, manage kitchen scheduling, and delegate tasks efficiently

Lead and develop a small, tight-knit team of cooks and support staff

• Communicate with ownership and FOH managers to align on menu, inventory, and service
  

Hands-On Cooking:

Prep, cook, and plate menu items as needed, especially during peak hours

Set the pace on the line and lead by example

Troubleshoot equipment, rushes, or supply issues on the fly

Inventory & Ordering:

Monitor inventory, maintain par levels, and reduce food waste

Place and receive food and supply orders with vendors

Track cost of goods and support cost control initiatives

Why You'll Love Working Here

Competitive salarybased on experience

Leadership role without corporate red tape

Free staff meals + employee discount on food & drinks

Room for growth as we expand our brand

Autonomy and respect your input will shape the kitchen

Requirements

What We're Looking For

3+ years experience as a lead line cook, sous chef, or kitchen manager

Solid cooking fundamentals and the ability to execute a fast-casual menu at high volume

Experience with smoked meats, griddle, fryers, ovens, and kitchen organization

Natural leadership; able to coach, correct, and motivate a team respectfully

Highly reliable, clean, and detail-oriented

Strong communication and a willingness to adapt as the business grows

Valid drivers license and ability to travel between Gainesville and Bristow

Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work on your feet in a fast-paced environment