Kitchen Manager

Job Summary

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring consistent food quality, efficient production, food safety, and a positive team environment. This position leads kitchen team members, coordinates daily production and prep, manages inventory and supplies, and ensures all kitchen operations align with Urban Jungalow standards.

The ideal candidate is an organized, hands-on leader who can effectively balance food quality, operational efficiency, team development, and customer service in a fast-paced environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead, train, coach, and support kitchen team members.
• Assign daily tasks and production responsibilities based on business needs.
• Monitor team performance, attendance, productivity, and adherence to company standards.
• Provide ongoing feedback and address performance concerns in partnership with management.
• Support onboarding and training of new kitchen team members.
• Foster a respectful, collaborative, and accountable kitchen environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, production, cooking, packaging, and sanitation.
• Ensure food is prepared consistently according to Urban Jungalow recipes, quality standards, and portion requirements.
• Coordinate daily and weekly production schedules based on anticipated business needs.
• Monitor food quality, freshness, presentation, and consistency.
• Maintain compliance with applicable food safety, sanitation, health, and workplace safety requirements.
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, labeling, temperature control, and rotation practices are followed.
• Conduct regular inventory counts and monitor ingredient and supply levels.
• Coordinate ordering and replenishment of food, packaging, and kitchen supplies.
• Minimize food waste through appropriate production planning, storage, rotation, and portion control.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and properly stocked kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Inspect kitchen equipment and promptly communicate maintenance or repair needs.
• Monitor kitchen labor needs and assist with scheduling and staffing decisions.
• Step into hands-on kitchen duties as needed to support production and business operations.
• Train team members on recipes, preparation procedures, food safety, sanitation, equipment use, and company standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve kitchen processes, efficiency, quality, and cost control.
• Partner with management to address operational issues and implement process improvements.
• Maintain accurate kitchen records, including inventory, waste, production, and temperature logs as applicable.
• Ensure kitchen team members follow company policies and procedures.
• Support a positive team culture and professional work environment.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures as needed.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of commercial kitchen operations and food production.
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow and consistently execute recipes and production standards.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to coach, train, and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to monitor inventory, control waste, and manage food costs.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with management and team members.
• Ability to remain calm and solution-oriented during busy or high-pressure periods.
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and inventory or scheduling software, as applicable.

Shift Availability

• Shifts may include:
• 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM
• 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
• 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• 3:30 PM - 9:30 PM
• Potential for additional shifts/hours based on company needs and scheduling availability
• Schedule may fluctuate based on seasonality

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• ServSafe certification or equivalent preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in a commercial kitchen, food production, restaurant, café, or similar food-service environment.
• Prior supervisory or kitchen leadership experience preferred.
• Experience with inventory management, food ordering, production planning, and food cost control preferred.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and move throughout the kitchen.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 45 pounds.
• Ability to work in a commercial kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, steam, noise, and food preparation equipment.
• Ability to safely operate or work around standard kitchen equipment and tools.
• Ability to maintain appropriate hygiene and food safety practices throughout the workday.

About the Company

Urban Jungalow is a wellness-forward, quick-service café concept inspired by nostalgia and crafted for modern lifestyles. Our entirely vegan and gluten-free menu features grab-and-go offerings, handcrafted non-alcoholic beverages, and a genuine passion for hospitality, all served in a thoughtfully curated space. We are committed to sustainability, bold flavor, and atmosphere, infusing each guest interaction with positive energy and intentional design. Our mission is to bring functional foods forward through a culinary-driven, hospitality-first approach, offering convenience without compromise.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.