Pizza Chef & Kitchen Manager

The Ground; Oregon, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health insurance

Vision

Dental

Life insurance

401(k)

Employee discount 20% at Ground sites

Job summary

The Ground Market in Carlton, Oregon invites a hands-on Pizza Chef and Kitchen Manager to lead wood-fired pizza operations and kitchen workflows. You will supervise prep and service, ensure dough quality, and drive efficient execution with the Ground Market Manager guiding guest experience during service.

We seek 3–5 years kitchen experience, 1–2 years leadership, and a valid food handler certification. Expect a collaborative, fast-paced environment with opportunities to influence seasonal menu

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of kitchen experience, with at least 1–2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience with wood-fired cooking and pizza programs.
• Valid food handler’s certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations with a focus on wood-fired execution and pizza production.
• Manage and maintain the wood-fired oven, including firing, temperature control, and workflow.
• Ensure consistency in dough preparation, fermentation, and pizza execution.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff during prep and service.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, and timing.
• Assist with ordering, inventory, and cost control.
• Train and mentor staff on wood-fired techniques and kitchen standards.
• Enforce food safety and sanitation practices at all times.
• Collaborate on seasonal menu updates and specials; deliver exceptional products and service.

Skills

Wood-fired ovens

Pizza production

Dough fermentation

Leadership

Communication

Attention to detail

High-volume kitchen management

Education

Food handler certification

Job description

Ground Market is a community gathering place in the heart of Carlton, Oregon, in the Willamette Valley—bringing together a wood-fired pizza and ice cream shop alongside a market and farmstand rooted in the region’s agricultural abundance. The space is warm, lively, and welcoming, inviting locals and visitors to connect over simple, good food.

Ground Market is part of The Ground, a collection of destinations and experiences rooted in a philosophy of conscious, loving hospitality in service to all species.

Job Summary:

The Pizza Chef and Kitchen Manager at Ground Market is a hands-on leader with a strong foundation in wood-fired cooking, particularly pizza. This role reports to the Ground Market Manager, and leads kitchen operations, with a focus on execution, consistency, and maintaining the integrity of the wood-fired program. The Pizza Chef and Kitchen Manager is responsible for guiding the team through high-volume service while upholding quality and efficiency.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead daily kitchen operations with a focus on wood-fired execution and pizza production.
• Manage and maintain the wood-fired oven, including firing, temperature control, and workflow.
• Ensure consistency in dough preparation, fermentation, and pizza execution.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff during prep and service.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, and timing.
• Assist with ordering, inventory, and cost control.
• Train and mentor staff on wood-fired techniques and kitchen standards.
• Enforce food safety and sanitation practices at all times.
• Collaborate on seasonal menu updates and specials. Strives to deliver exceptional products and service.
• Partner closely with the Ground Market AM and PM Managers to deliver a cohesive guest experience. While leading kitchen execution, collaborate with the PM Manager during service, who has final authority over guest-facing service quality, pace, and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with Ground Market & The Ground’s values and mission.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong experience with wood-fired ovens and pizza production (required).
• Deep understanding of dough fermentation, hydration, and baking techniques.
• Ability to lead effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and consistency.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
• Organized, adaptable, and solution-oriented.

Education and Experience:

• 3–5 years of kitchen experience, with at least 1–2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience with wood-fired cooking and pizza programs.
• Valid food handler’s certification required.

Benefits:

Benefits include PTO, health, vision, dental, life insurance, 401(k) for qualifying employees.

Employee perks:

20% discount at Ground entities (includes Ground Market, Grounded Table, The Pub, Grounded Body)

About The Ground

The Ground is a hospitality business based in beautiful Willamette Valley that exists to realize human potential in harmony with the planet. It is an evolving collection of experiences and destinations rooted in conscious, loving hospitality in service to all with a philosophy of belonging that comes to life through regenerative agriculture, food, accommodations, revitalizing wellness experiences, and engaging programs & events.

The Ground is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re interested in this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at The Ground.