Shift Manager

Umami Riot; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discounts

Growth opportunities

Team culture rooted in respect

Job summary

Umami Riot in Boston is seeking an experienced Shift Manager to work the line, lead by example, and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly during busy services. You’ll balance hands-on cooking with team leadership, maintaining quality, pace, and safety while supporting the Area Manager as the on-floor point person.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of line cook experience in a high-volume kitchen, and some supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of line cook experience in a high-volume kitchen.
• Shift lead or supervisory experience is a plus.
• Hold ServSafe and allergen awareness certifications or obtain within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Work the line: Prepare food, maintain quality and ticket times, station setup/prep/breakdown.
• Lead the shift: Assign stations, guide the team, manage coverage, inform Area Manager.
• Track labor: Complete daily labor reporting, monitor time punches, flag overtime.
• Keep us stocked: Submit food and beverage orders to maintain pars and support service.
• Protect our standards: Enforce kitchen procedures, food safety, allergen awareness, and cleanliness; complete required logs.
• Build the team: Interviewing, onboarding, training, scheduling with Area Manager approval for staffing adjustments.

Skills

Line cook

Shift leadership

Team communication

Attention to detail

Education

ServSafe Food Protection Manager

Allergen awareness certification

Tools

Spreadsheets

POS systems

Job description

Description

Umami Riot was born from a simple idea: pair joyful hospitality with uncompromising craftsmanship. Founded by Chef Tim Cushman and sake expert Nancy Cushman, our restaurants celebrate bold flavor, precision, and a deep respect for Japanese foodways – translated through a distinctly Boston lens. At Umami Riot, we’re not here to follow the rules of hospitality, we’re here to rewrite them – with heart, craft and fearless creativity.

We’re looking for a Shift Manager who can work the line, lead by example, and keep the team moving at gogo ya and Ms. Clucks.

You’ll cook alongside the team while keeping an eye on the bigger picture: food quality, service pace, kitchen safety, and the people making it happen. When the Area Manager is away, you’re the point person on the floor.

THE GIG (AKA WHAT YOU’LL ACTUALLY BE DOING)

• Work the line: Prepare food, maintain quality and ticket times, and handle station setup, prep, and breakdown.
• Lead the shift: Assign stations, guide the team, address concerns, manage coverage needs, and keep the Area Manager informed.
• Track labor: Complete daily labor reporting before leaving, monitor time punches, and flag overtime or staffing concerns.
• Keep us stocked: Submit food and beverage orders to maintain pars and support service.
• Protect our standards: Enforce kitchen procedures, food safety, allergen awareness, and cleanliness; complete required logs.
• Build the team: Support interviewing, onboarding, training, and scheduling, with Area Manager approval for staffing adjustments and shift swaps.

THIS ROLE IS A GREAT FIT IF…

• You thrive in fast-paced kitchens without losing focus
• You have 2+ years of line cook experience in a high-volume kitchen; shift lead or supervisory experience is a plus.
• You lead by example, communicate clearly, and stay calm when service gets busy.
• You’re organized, attentive to details, and comfortable using basic spreadsheets and POS reports.
• You hold ServSafe Food Protection Manager and allergen awareness certifications—or can obtain both within 30 days of hire.
• You’re available to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
• You bring consistency, integrity, and quiet confidence to your work

Requirements

LET’S SET EXPECTATIONS (IN A GOOD WAY)

This is a high-energy kitchen where the pace is constant and teamwork keeps service moving.

Yes—this is a hands-on role. You’ll be on your feet for extended shifts, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., and working around hot equipment, sharp tools, and varying temperatures. A disciplined commitment to sanitation, safety, and cleanliness is part of the craft here. We’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support individuals in performing the essential functions of the role.

WHY PEOPLE STICK AROUND

• Competitive hourly pay - because your work matters
• Dining discounts across all Umami Riot locations
• Growth that’s real (not just talked about)
• A team culture rooted in respect, creativity, and heart

Pay Range: $22 - $25 per hour based on experience

EOE

Ready to work the line and lead the shift? Join the riot.