Kitchen Lead

Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: Oakland CA
Reports To: General Manager / Operations Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Job Summary
The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations to ensure food quality, consistency, safety, and efficiency. This role leads kitchen staff, enforces food safety and sanitation standards, manages inventory and food costs, and supports a respectful, compliant workplace in accordance with California labor laws.
Compensation: This position offers a starting base wage of $20.00 per hour, with average total earnings of approximately $24.00 per hour, including tip distribution. Tip income is variable and not guaranteed, and may fluctuate based on sales volume and shift performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Kitchen Operations

• Oversee daily food preparation and production to ensure quality, consistency, and timely service
• Ensure all food is prepared in compliance with local, state, and federal food safety regulations
• Maintain recipe, portion, and presentation standards

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise kitchen employees
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance management in accordance with company policy
• Foster a professional, inclusive, and respectful work environment
• Address employee concerns promptly and escalate when appropriate

Inventory & Cost Control

• Manage food ordering, inventory levels, and proper storage procedures
• Monitor food waste and support cost-control initiatives
• Ensure accurate receiving, labeling, rotation, and storage of products

Compliance & Safety

• Enforce compliance with Cal/OSHA, health department, and food safety requirements
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment
• Prepare for and participate in health inspections and audits

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with front-of-house and management teams
• Support menu updates, operational changes, and catering needs as required

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of kitchen management or lead kitchen experience
• Working knowledge of California food safety and sanitation standards
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
• Food Safety Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) preferred

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment

Work Schedule

• Schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Weekends Required