Executive Kitchen Manager

Join Our Team as Executive Kitchen Manager, Lead an Established and High-Performing Back-of-House Team

About Horsefeather Palo Alto

Horsefeather Palo Alto is an extension of the original Horsefeather, offering a full-scale restaurant experience built around strong hospitality, a dynamic food program, and an environment that feels polished, welcoming, and energetic. We serve lunch and dinner daily, along with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Our menu is rooted in New American cuisine with broad influences, designed to feel both familiar and compelling.

Now approaching our first year of operations, we are seeking an experienced Executive Kitchen Manager to lead the

next phase of kitchen performance. This is a senior leadership role responsible for maintaining and improving day-to-day BOH operations, developing the team, and ensuring consistent execution across all areas of the kitchen.

Website:

Instagram: @horsefeather

About the Position

The Executive Kitchen Manager is the primary operational leader of the kitchen and works directly with ownership and

general management. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines administrative ownership with active service presence. You will be responsible for staffing, scheduling, hiring, training, inventory systems, food cost controls, sanitation

standards, and daily execution. You will also oversee kitchen leads and prep leadership while ensuring the kitchen remains organized, accountable, and high functioning. This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in running a strong operation, building teams, solving problems quickly, and leading from the front.

Key Responsibilities

● Lead all day-to-day kitchen operations and maintain high standards of execution, cleanliness, and

organization.

● Own scheduling, staffing levels, shift coverage, and labor efficiency.

● Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, and develop BOH employees.

● Supervise kitchen leads, prep leadership, line cooks, and support staff.

● Maintain strong service leadership through active floor presence, including expediting and oversight during peak periods.

● Ensure prep systems are accurate, timely, and aligned with business needs.

● Oversee inventory processes, ordering, receiving, storage, rotation, and waste control.

● Manage food cost through portioning, pars, product discipline, and operational awareness.

● Maintain full compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department standards.

● Partner with ownership and management on menu rollouts, operational improvements, staffing strategy, and

business goals.

● Address performance issues directly and professionally through coaching and accountability.

● Continue refining systems to improve consistency, efficiency, and team performance.

What We’re Looking For (Please Read Carefully)

We are seeking a strong kitchen operator with leadership presence, sound judgment, and a high standard for execution. The right candidate can manage people, systems, and service simultaneously while keeping the kitchen calm, focused, and productive.

Minimum Requirements

● Minimum 3 years of BOH management experience in a high-volume restaurant.

● Proven success leading teams, writing schedules, hiring staff, and managing labor.

● Strong knowledge of inventory systems, ordering, prep structure, and food cost control.

● Comfortable leading service from expo and maintaining composure under pressure.

● Strong communication skills and ability to hold standards consistently.

● Deep understanding of sanitation, safety, and kitchen organization.

● Must have CA Manager Safe Serve certification

● Open availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

● Must be able to lift 50 lbs and stand for extended periods of time.

● Must be able to effectively communicate in Spanish and English

What We Offer

Health benefits for full-time employees.

● 401(k) with up to a 4% company match after 6 months of employment.

● Substantial growth opportunities within an expanding company.

● Health and Dental Benefits

● Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Compensation

$80,000–$90,000 annually, based on experience and overall fit. Potential for bonus structure after probationary period.

How to Apply

Send us your resume and a brief message about yourself, your experience, and why you would be a strong fit for the role.

Horsefeather Palo Alto is an extension of the original Horsefeather, offering a full-scale restaurant experience. Our space is designed to be comfortable and welcoming, with a focus on high-quality cocktails, a dynamic food program, and an environment that feels effortlessly stylish yet approachable. We serve lunch and dinner every night, along with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The menu is rooted in New American cuisine, incorporating diverse influences to create dishes that are both familiar and exciting.