Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager

Buckandhoneys; Waunakee (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Meal discounts

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Buck and Honeys in Waunakee is looking for a hands-on Kitchen Manager to lead the culinary team and ensure high-quality kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of kitchen leadership experience, strong organizational skills, and knowledge of food safety.

This full-time position offers competitive pay, health benefits, paid time off, and opportunities for growth within the company. Join a dynamic team where you can make a positive impact in a high-volume kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant environment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead and support a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
• ServSafe certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient food execution.
• Provide hands-on leadership and support to kitchen staff.
• Assist with food and supply ordering and monitor inventory levels.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and compliance with food safety regulations.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Kitchen leadership

Food safety knowledge

Team-oriented leadership style

Job description

Kitchen Manager

Location: Buck & Honey’s – Waunakee
Reports To: Waunakee Chef
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

Buck & Honey’s Waunakee is seeking a hands‑on, organized, and driven Kitchen Manager to help lead daily kitchen operations and support a high‑performing culinary team. This role is responsible for maintaining strong kitchen systems, ensuring food quality and sanitation standards, supporting prep and event execution, managing inventory and ordering, and helping create a positive and efficient kitchen culture.

The Kitchen Manager works closely with the Executive Chef and leadership team to ensure smooth daily operations while providing support, coaching, and accountability for the kitchen staff. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, leads by example, and enjoys developing strong teams and operational consistency.

Essential Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Support and oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient and high‑quality food execution
• Assist with kitchen workflow and support line execution during busy service periods
• Ensure all food is prepared and plated according to company standards
• Support prep production and coordinate food preparation for catering, parties, and special events
• Help maintain consistency in recipes, presentation, and food quality
• Work alongside the Chef to support daily menu execution and specials

Team Leadership & Development

Provide hands‑on leadership and support to kitchen staff

• Help train and reinforce kitchen procedures, standards, and expectations
• Promote teamwork, urgency, accountability, and a positive kitchen culture
• Assist with scheduling, coaching, and daily staff support as needed
• Step into various kitchen roles when necessary to support operations

Inventory & Ordering

• Assist with food and supply ordering
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate product needs to leadership
• Receive and organize deliveries
• Support monthly inventory processes
• Minimize waste through proper storage, rotation, and inventory practices

Cleanliness & Food Safety

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organization, and sanitation throughout the kitchen
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and health department regulations
• Monitor completion of daily and weekly cleaning tasks
• Help maintain kitchen equipment and organization standards

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of kitchen leadership experience in a high‑volume restaurant environment preferred
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to lead and support a team in a fast‑paced environment
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations
• Inventory and ordering experience preferred
• Catering or large‑event food preparation experience preferred
• ServSafe certification is a plus
• Spanish speaking ability is a plus
• Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Traits

• Strong sense of urgency
• Team‑oriented leadership style

  Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Frequent bending, lifting, reaching, carrying, pushing, and pulling
  • Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑volume kitchen environment with moderate to loud noise levels

  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

  Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive pay
  • Health benefits
  • Paid time off
  • Fringe Benefits
  • Meal discounts
  • Growth opportunities within Buck & Honey’s