Kitchen Manager / Lead Line Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description: Kitchen Manager/Lead Line CookReports To: Cafe General Manager, Executive ChefJob Status: Full Time, Hourly, Non-ExemptAbout Us: ALMA ("soul" in Spanish and Portuguese) is a neighborhood coffeehouse built around the heart and community of a farmers market - rooted in community, seasonal produce from local farms and makers, and genuine hospitality. The Role: Reporting to the Cafe GM, the Kitchen Manager is the point person for all back-of-house activity - a hands-on role managed mostly from the line. Ours is a small kitchen with a focused menu and real attention to quality. You'll execute the menu, help develop new items with the Executive Chef, and make sure dine-in, takeout, and catering all hit the same standard. That means running orders, overseeing the team's execution, keeping prep on track, and mentoring staff to protect our standards without losing the personal touch that defines the cafe. Our three core values shape everything we do: Authenticity, Respect, & Enthusiasm.Primary Duties and Responsibilities:Line & Kitchen OperationsLead by example with warmth and hospitality, setting the tone for guest carePrep and execute station menu items to standard - portioning, cooking methods, plating, and garnishKeep food timely, consistent, and simultaneous across ticketsThink on your feet - solve problems as they come up and keep service movingAddress operational issues in real time, escalating to GM/Executive Chef as appropriateOversee product rotation, butchery, portion control, and inventory/temp logsPlace orders as needed for upcoming service and productionPrioritize tickets, manage workflow, and troubleshoot bottlenecks in real time; escalate to GM/Exec Chef when neededCleanliness & Food Safety- Directly and via delegationMaintain a clean, sanitary, safe kitchen; ensure daily/weekly cleaning tasks (including trash area) are completedOrganize walk-in and storage shelves (directly or via delegation)Keep opening/closing logs current so the next shift knows what's prepped and what's 86'dModel excellent food safety habits and equipment care; log maintenance needs in MaintainXMonitor prep levels and usage to avoid shortages, over-prep, or wasteUphold recipe and execution standards across all channels - dine-in, catering, deliveryTeam Development & HiringSupport training so new hires feel confident and capableAssist GM with BOH coaching, accountability, hiring, and onboarding of BOH team membersModel reliability in attendance, communication, and work ethicMaintain positive, professional relationships across FOH and BOHRequired Skills and Abilities:1-2 years of supervisory experience in a cafe, restaurant, or kitchen environmentA genuine passion for great food, seasonal produce, specialty coffee, and local sourcingStrong leadership and communication skills with a coach's mentality and the ability to give feedback with compassion and directnessA natural ability to anticipate the needs of guests and the teamComfortable using Toast POS and Google Workspace for daily reporting, ordering, and inventoryDedication to creating a positive, productive environment that reflects our culture and standardsProactive and self-motivated, with strong integrity and a collaborative mindsetPractical knowledge of how to manage labor, waste, and food costs to support the kitchen's successExperience with scheduling, labor compliance, and basic HR responsibilities like training and coachingStrong understanding of food safety and sanitation; ServSafe Manager certification requiredA proactive, reliable leader who stays composed and professional during busy shiftsOrganized and accurate when it comes to ordering, inventory counts, and shift documentationEnergized by ambitious goals and always looking for ways to improveFlexible availability, including mornings, weekends, and holidays Physical Requirements:High level of stamina to work on feet for extended periods (be able to work in a standing, upright position for long periods of time up to 8 hoursAbility to occasionally lift, move, and transport furniture, equipment, and deliveries up to 50 pounds Disclaimer: This description includes essential functions. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. In accordance with California law and the Americans with Disabilities Act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all. We welcome applicants from a wide variety of identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. ALMA offers reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities.