Senior Kitchen Leader: Build Teams, Elevate Guests

BJ's Restaurants, Inc.; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Parental leave

Disability coverage

Free and discounted meals

Career growth and advancement opportun

Employee discount program

Collaborative culture built on team...

Job summary

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. is seeking a Senior Kitchen Manager to lead the heart of our operation, building strong teams and delivering exceptional food while driving operational excellence.

You will oversee daily kitchen operations, set priorities, ensure safety and quality, and partner with front-of-house leaders to deliver seamless service and guest recovery when needed. The role requires 50-hour weeks, flexible scheduling, and a focus on developing talent.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of full-service kitchen experience or GM-level experience in fast-casual.
• Experience leading, coaching and motivating high-performing teams.
• Experience with kitchen systems and technology (KDS, scheduling, inventory, ordering).
• Passion for exceptional guest experiences and positive team culture.
• Proven track record of managing food costs, labor, safety standards, and operational performance.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays; 50-hour work week.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations and ensure smooth execution by a well-prepared team.
• Set clear priorities through pre-shift communication, coaching, and team development.
• Maintain a safe, compliant, and well-functioning kitchen environment.
• Support hiring, development, performance management, and career growth for team members.
• Oversee daily prep and production to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
• Partner with front-of-house leaders to deliver seamless service and guest recovery when needed.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Team development

Food safety

Cost control

Problem solving

Flexible schedule

Tools

KDS

Scheduling software

Inventory software

Ordering systems

Job description

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. is seeking a Senior Kitchen Manager to lead the heart of our operation, building strong teams and delivering exceptional food while driving operational excellence.

You will oversee daily kitchen operations, set priorities, ensure safety and quality, and partner with front-of-house leaders to deliver seamless service and guest recovery when needed. The role requires 50-hour weeks, flexible scheduling, and a focus on developing talent.