Waterfront Kitchen Lead – Cruise Vessel

Manthey Hospitality; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Parking benefits

Free tickets

Discounted tickets

Professional growth

Job summary

Craft Tampa, Manthey Hospitality, seeks an Assistant Kitchen Manager to support the Kitchen Manager on our open-kitchen vessel in downtown Tampa. You’ll lead the line, supervise the culinary team, and ensure prep, station readiness, and service flow for brunch, lunch, dinner, and special cruises.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of culinary leadership in high-volume settings, strong communication, cost controls, inventory, and the ability to train staff on a moving vessel.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of culinary leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience in high-volume food service or hospitality; upscale plated-service experience is a plus.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Basic knowledge of food cost controls, inventory management, and scheduling practices.
• ServSafe Manager Certification preferred, or ability to obtain.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Ability to work in a compact, fast-paced, open concept, onboard kitchen.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and remain standing for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Support daily kitchen operations, including prep, station setup, service, and closing.
• Lead by example on the line and help supervise, coach, and train culinary team members.
• Confirm prep levels, ingredients, and supplies are ready for each scheduled cruise.
• Execute established recipes and plating standards with consistent quality, portions, and timing.
• Coordinate ticket flow and course timing with front-of-house leadership; communicate special requests and dietary needs clearly.
• Assist with staffing coverage and labor efficiency based on cruise schedules and guest counts.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory, proper storage, and FIFO product rotation.
• Help control food costs and waste through accurate prep, portioning, and product handling.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and a clean, organized open kitchen.
• Follow vessel safety procedures and coordinate with onboard leadership as needed.
• Support onboarding and build a professional kitchen culture grounded in teamwork and accountability.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Food cost controls

Inventory management

Scheduling practices

Open kitchen onboard experience

Job description

Craft Tampa, Manthey Hospitality, seeks an Assistant Kitchen Manager to support the Kitchen Manager on our open-kitchen vessel in downtown Tampa. You’ll lead the line, supervise the culinary team, and ensure prep, station readiness, and service flow for brunch, lunch, dinner, and special cruises.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of culinary leadership in high-volume settings, strong communication, cost controls, inventory, and the ability to train staff on a moving vessel.