Senior Kitchen Manager - Lead Team, Elevate Guest Experience

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

Discounted meals

Job summary

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. in Charlottesville, VA is seeking a Senior Kitchen Manager to lead daily kitchen operations, develop teams, and drive food quality and safety.

You’ll manage inventory, costs, scheduling, and ensure exceptional guest experiences while upholding our high standards. This exempt management role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• One year of full-service kitchen experience or GM-level experience in a fast-casual environment.
• One year leading, coaching and motivating high-performing teams.
• Experience with kitchen systems and technology, including KDS, scheduling, inventory management, and effective ordering.
• Passion for creating exceptional guest experiences while fostering a positive, team-focused culture.
• Demonstrated ability to manage food costs, labor, safety standards, and operational performance.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards with a track record of high health inspection scores.
• Passionate leader who builds strong, effective teams.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays (five 10-hour shifts).

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth execution and 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.
• Champion food safety, sanitation, and operational standards.
• Ensure every menu item is prepared with quality, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Oversee daily prep and production to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
• Train, coach, and develop kitchen teams to perform at their best.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with front-of-house leaders to deliver seamless service and guest recovery when needed.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Team leadership

Kitchen systems

Guest experience

Cost controls

Fast-paced environment

Food safety standards

Quality focus

Flexible scheduling

Tools

KDS

Scheduling software

Inventory systems

Job description

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. in Charlottesville, VA is seeking a Senior Kitchen Manager to lead daily kitchen operations, develop teams, and drive food quality and safety.

You’ll manage inventory, costs, scheduling, and ensure exceptional guest experiences while upholding our high standards. This exempt management role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays.