Director of Kitchen Operations and Team Leadership

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Free food & snacks
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness resources

Low Country Quisine is seeking a bilingual (English/Spanish) operations-minded leader to oversee daily kitchen production, team leadership, inventory management, and event execution.

This role is not designed for someone who simply wants to cook. We are looking for a leader who can build trust with the team, maintain accountability, execute systems, communicate effectively with ownership, and represent the company professionally with clients and partners.

The ideal candidate understands that leadership is just as important as culinary skill.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, coach, and develop a diverse kitchen team
Establish a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork
Conduct daily pre-shift meetings and production check-ins
Address performance issues promptly and professionally
Build strong relationships with team members while maintaining leadership authority
Assist with hiring, onboarding, and training

Kitchen Operations

Oversee daily production for catering, wholesale, and special events
Ensure recipes, production standards, and portion controls are followed
Maintain organization of all kitchen, storage, and production areas
Monitor food quality, consistency, and presentation
Create and manage prep plans and production schedules

Inventory & Cost Management

Manage inventory levels and ordering
Reduce waste and identify cost-saving opportunities
Monitor food cost and labor performance
Ensure proper rotation and storage procedures
Assist ownership with forecasting and purchasing decisions

Communication & Client Representation

Serve as a professional representative of Low Country Quisine
Communicate effectively with ownership, vendors, clients, and staff
Assist with tastings, client visits, and operational meetings as needed
Maintain positive working relationships across all departments

Required Qualifications

Fluent in English and Spanish
Minimum 5 years of kitchen leadership experience
Strong people leadership and conflict resolution skills
Experience leading teams of 515+ employees
Experience with inventory, ordering, and production planning
Ability to prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
Professional appearance and demeanor
Reliable transportation
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and special events as required

Success in This Role Looks Like

After 90 Days:

Team understands expectations and follows production systems
Daily kitchen operations require less owner involvement
Production schedules and prep plans are organized and proactive
Communication with staff and ownership is clear and consistent

After 6 Months:

Kitchen operates efficiently in the leaders absence
Food cost and labor performance are monitored regularly
Team morale is strong
Operational issues are identified and solved proactively

Personal Characteristics We Value

High emotional intelligence
Calm under pressure
Team-oriented
Family-oriented values
Humble and Coachable
Professional but approachable
Self-starter
Organized and detail-oriented
Strong sense of ownership
Leads by example

Who Will Thrive Here

Someone who enjoys building teams, solving problems, creating structure, and helping a growing company reach the next level.

Who Will Not Thrive Here

Someone looking for a purely culinary role
Someone who prefers constant direction
Someone who struggles with accountability
Someone uncomfortable with change and growth
Someone who wants authority without leadership responsibility