Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Pizza Ranch - Iowa City; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Pizza Ranch in Iowa City is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead food quality, kitchen operations, and the back-of-house team culture. You will support the General Manager and Assistant General Manager in running day-to-day operations while ensuring food standards, safety, and cleanliness stay top-tier.

This hands-on leadership role thrives during high-volume dinner and weekend rushes, motivates a team, and keeps everything running smoothly while maintaining a positive, professional environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in restaurant or kitchen management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure food quality, cleanliness, and speed of service
• Conduct regular inventory and manage food ordering to meet budget and demand
• Perform routine safety and cleanliness walkthroughs and uphold food safety protocols
• Interview, hire, and train back-of-house team members
• Implement and enforce progressive discipline when needed
• Assist with labor and food cost control strategies
• Use Qualtrics guest feedback data to identify areas for improvement
• Lead by example during peak hours, especially nights and weekends, by working the line and engaging with the team
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant kitchen that meets local and company standards
• Collaborate with the management team to ensure smooth shift transitions and team alignment

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Leadership

Basic computer skills

Kitchen management software

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in Hull, Iowa in 1981, Pizza Ranch® has grown from a single location into one of the nation’s premier fast‑casual restaurant chains. With over 200 locations across thirteen states, our concept combines a crave‑worthy buffet of pizza, crispy ranch chicken, salads, desserts, and a full‑service delivery and takeout model—all designed to serve up legendary experiences.

At the heart of Pizza Ranch is our mission:
\"To establish every Pizza Ranch® as a business ministry opportunity where our guests receive a legendary experience through quality food and service; and where we take a positive leadership position in the communities we serve and equip our employees with tools to lead happy and productive lives.\"

We believe in positively impacting every guest, team member, and community we serve. If you’re someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, people‑focused environment and enjoys making a difference through food, service, and leadership—it’s the place for you.

The Role: Kitchen Manager

As a Kitchen Manager, you’re more than just a culinary leader—you’re the driving force behind our food quality, kitchen operations, and back‑of‑house team culture. You’ll lead by example, helping create a high‑performing environment that consistently delivers outstanding food and guest satisfaction. You’ll support the General Manager & Assistant General Manager in running day‑to‑day operations while ensuring food standards, safety, and cleanliness stay top‑tier.

This is a hands‑on leadership role, ideal for someone who can jump in during high‑volume dinner and weekend rushes, motivate a team, and keep everything running like a well‑oiled machine.

Key Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure food quality, cleanliness, and speed of service


• Conduct regular inventory and manage food ordering to meet budget and demand


• Perform routine safety and cleanliness walkthroughs and uphold food safety protocols


• Interview, hire, and train back‑of‑house team members


• Implement and enforce progressive discipline when needed


• Assist with labor and food cost control strategies


• Use Qualtrics guest feedback data to identify areas for improvement


• Lead by example during peak hours, especially nights and weekends, by working the line and engaging with the team


• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant kitchen that meets local and company standards


• Collaborate with the management team to ensure smooth shift transitions and team alignment

What We Expect:

• Increase food quality and presentation standards


• Uphold guest service expectations in every back‑of‑house interaction


• Actively work and lead during high‑volume night and weekend rushes


• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, and professionalism


• Identify and develop team members for future leadership roles

What You Bring to the Table:

• A passion for food quality, cleanliness, and team development


• Proven experience in restaurant or kitchen management (preferred)


• Strong communication and organizational skills


• Ability to multitask in a high‑energy environment


• Proficiency in basic computer skills and kitchen management systems


• High school diploma or equivalent required


• A drive to serve others and a positive leadership attitude

Join the Pizza Ranch team and become part of something legendary. Apply today and help us serve up food and experiences.