Upscale Kitchen Manager

Goodwin Recruiting; Birmingham (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

6 paid holidays

Gym reimbursement

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting seeks an Executive Kitchen Manager for an upscale dining concept in Birmingham, MI. You will lead back-of-house operations with a hands-on presence during service and develop a team focused on high standards and flawless execution.

You’ll oversee scheduling, labor, inventory, and costs while partnering with front-of-house leaders to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Strong leadership and ServSafe are required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading kitchen operations in upscale casual or fine dining.
• Strong track record in training, coaching, and developing kitchen teams.
• Solid understanding of labor management, inventory, and food cost controls.
• Certifications in food safety (ServSafe) are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day back-of-house operations.
• Lead from the floor during high-volume service.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, and speed.
• Train, coach, develop, and hold kitchen teams accountable.
• Manage scheduling and labor while maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
• Control food costs through ordering, inventory, waste management, and recipe execution.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and health department standards.
• Partner with front-of-house leadership to ensure smooth service.
• Execute menu rollouts, specials, and operational changes precisely.
• Build a positive kitchen culture centered on urgency, teamwork, and pride in execution.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

High volume kitchen

Team development

Food cost management

Food safety

Hands-on leadership

Job description

Executive Kitchen Manager – Upscale Dining

Birmingham, MI | $100K–$130K + Bonus + Benefits + 401(k)

Run the kitchen like it’s yours.

We’re looking for a high-energy Executive Kitchen Manager to take ownership of back‑of‑house operations for an established upscale dining concept. This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who thrives in a busy kitchen, understands the importance of systems and consistency, and knows how to build a team that executes at a high level every shift.

This isn’t a position for someone who wants to manage from the office. We need a culinary leader who is visible during service, develops people, holds standards, and jumps in when the kitchen needs them.

Compensation & Benefits

• $100,000–$130,000 annual salary
• Performance bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• 6 paid holidays
• Gym reimbursement
• Established upscale concept in a high‑profile location

What You’ll Do

• Take ownership of day‑to‑day back‑of‑house operations
• Lead from the floor and line during high‑volume service
• Maintain strong standards for food quality, consistency, presentation, and speed
• Train, coach, develop, and hold kitchen teams accountable
• Manage scheduling and labor while maintaining appropriate staffing levels
• Control food costs through ordering, inventory, waste management, and recipe execution
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and health department standards
• Partner closely with front‑of‑house leadership to deliver smooth, consistent service
• Execute menu rollouts, specials, recipes, and operational changes with precision
• Build a positive kitchen culture centered on urgency, teamwork, accountability, and pride in execution

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as Kitchen Manager or Executive Kitchen Manager in an upscale casual or fine‑dining environment
• Branded or corporate restaurant experience strongly preferred
• Experience leading a high‑volume kitchen operation
• Strong understanding of labor management, food cost, inventory, ordering, and kitchen financials
• Hands‑on leadership style with the willingness to work alongside the team
• Strong training, coaching, and team‑development skills
• Excellent food safety and sanitation knowledge
• ServSafe certification
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays

If you’re the kind of Chef who notices what needs to happen and handles it before someone has to ask, this is the kitchen for you.

Bring the energy. Own the operation. Build the team.

JOB ID: 181535#post