Kitchen Manager

Bludso’s BBQ is looking for a hands-on Kitchen Manager to help lead our Production Kitchen and takeout restaurant in Van Nuys.

This is not a traditional restaurant kitchen. Our Production Kitchen prepares food for multiple Bludso’s locations while also operating a takeout-only restaurant for our Van Nuys guests. The Kitchen Manager must be able to manage large-scale production, lead the kitchen team, stay on top of organization and food safety, and step into the restaurant operation whenever needed.

Our Kitchen Managers wear a lot of hats. On any given day, you may be managing production, checking yields and quality, receiving deliveries, training an employee, working through an equipment issue, packing takeout orders, or helping a guest at the counter. We need someone who is comfortable moving between these responsibilities and understands that both production and hospitality matter.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee daily food production for multiple Bludso’s locations, including production planning, par levels, inventory, ordering, receiving, and distribution
• Ensure food meets our standards for recipe accuracy, cooking, cooling, portioning, labeling, packaging, quality, and food safety
• Monitor yields and waste while maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient production kitchen
• Train, schedule, coach, and hold employees accountable for productivity and workplace standards
• Identify and communicate equipment, staffing, production, and food-quality issues before they become larger problems
• Assist the General Manager with scheduling, documentation, communication, ordering, and other administrative responsibilities
• Support the Van Nuys takeout operation by packing and checking orders, assisting the FOH team, helping guests at the counter, and resolving service issues
• Provide hands-on support wherever the operation needs it

What We’re Looking For

• At least 4 years of kitchen leadership experience, preferably in a commissary, production kitchen, catering operation, high-volume restaurant, or multi-unit environment
• Experience managing large-batch production, employees, food safety, inventory, and multiple deadlines
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable using computers for scheduling, ordering, email, inventory, and other administrative work
• Comfortable interacting directly with guests and supporting a takeout restaurant
• Available to work weekends, early mornings, holidays, and other shifts based on business needs

The right person for this role is not someone who only wants to cook or remain behind the scenes. We are looking for a well-rounded kitchen leader who can manage production, develop people, protect our standards, communicate with multiple locations, and provide hospitality when working with our Van Nuys guests.