Assistant Kitchen Manager

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Chama Mama - Chelsea

149 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011, United States Full Time Salary ($68k - $75k)

About Chama Mama

At Chama Mama, we do more than serve food and beverageswe preserve culture, create memorable experiences, and bring people together through genuine hospitality.

Inspired by the rich traditions of Georgia, the birthplace of wine, Chama Mama brings authentic Georgian cuisine and exceptional hospitality to New York City with a modern approach while honoring centuries-old recipes, culinary craftsmanship, and Georgian traditions. Every guest experience reflects our commitment to quality, authenticity, and the Georgian belief that "A Guest Is a Gift from God."

Today, Chama Mama continues to grow across New York City through multiple restaurant locations, a centralized Culinary Lab, bakery operations, and catering services. As we expand, we are looking for passionate hospitality professionals and future leaders who take pride in supporting strong teams, maintaining exceptional standards, and creating memorable guest experiences.

Who You Are

As an Assistant Kitchen Manager, you are a hands-on culinary professional and developing leader who supports the Kitchen Manager and culinary leadership in maintaining strong, consistent, and organized BOH operations.

You understand that a successful kitchen depends on preparation, teamwork, communication, consistency, cleanliness, and accountability. You take ownership of your responsibilities, support your teammates, and are comfortable stepping into a leadership role when needed.

You thrive in a fast-paced restaurant environment, remain organized and composed under pressure, and lead by example. You are eager to continue developing your leadership and operational skills while helping ensure that every dish leaving the kitchen reflects Chama Mama's standards for quality and authenticity.

What You'll Do

Support Daily Kitchen Operations

• Assist the Kitchen Manager with daily BOH operations and ensure smooth, organized, and efficient kitchen execution.
• Help supervise and support the kitchen team throughout preparation and service.
• Step into a leadership role during shifts when the Kitchen Manager or other culinary leadership is not present.
• Support kitchen procedures and systems designed to improve workflow, organization, and efficiency.
• Monitor kitchen ticket times and work with the team to maintain service standards.
• Maintain appropriate prep and par levels to ensure the kitchen is prepared for service while minimizing unnecessary overproduction.
• Complete and verify required daily and weekly operational checklists.
• Identify operational challenges and communicate them promptly to the Kitchen Manager or culinary leadership.

Maintain Exceptional Food Quality

• Help ensure food preparation, execution, and presentation consistently meet Chama Mama standards.
• Follow and reinforce established recipes, portion sizes, preparation techniques, and plating standards.
• Monitor food quality throughout preparation and service.
• Ensure recipes and companywide culinary standards are followed consistently by the team.
• Support culinary leadership with seasonal menu changes, new recipes, tastings, and training.
• Help ensure every dish leaving the kitchen reflects Chama Mama's commitment to quality, consistency, and authenticity.
• Communicate food-quality concerns immediately and assist with corrective action when necessary.

Support Inventory & Waste Control

• Assist with regular inventory counts and audits to maintain accurate product tracking.
• Support prep and par systems to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Monitor food usage, waste, and overproduction and communicate concerns to management.
• Assist with receiving deliveries and verify that products meet company quality and freshness standards.
• Ensure proper receiving, labeling, dating, storage, and rotation of ingredients.
• Maintain clean and organized refrigerators, freezers, dry storage, and kitchen storage areas.
• Follow FIFO and other established inventory-control procedures.
• Support company food-cost and waste-management goals.

Champion Food Safety & Cleanliness

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment at all times.
• Follow and reinforce daily and weekly cleaning schedules.
• Ensure proper sanitation, labeling, storage, temperature control, and handling of food products.
• Support regular kitchen inspections and corrective actions.
• Help ensure the kitchen remains prepared for Department of Health inspections and internal audits at all times.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance or repair needs promptly.
• Ensure team members follow company food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
• Lead by example in maintaining Chama Mama's cleanliness and food-safety standards.

Support & Develop the Team

• Lead by example and help create a respectful, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen environment.
• Assist with onboarding and training new BOH team members.
• Help ensure new employees understand Chama Mama's recipes, kitchen procedures, standards, and expectations.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, coaching, and support to kitchen employees.
• Reinforce expectations related to food quality, cleanliness, attendance, preparation, teamwork, and performance.
• Identify training opportunities and communicate development needs to the Kitchen Manager.
• Support a culture of teamwork, communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a reliable resource for team members during preparation and service.

Collaborate Across the Restaurant

• Work closely with the Kitchen Manager, Executive Chef, and culinary leadership to maintain companywide culinary standards.
• Collaborate with restaurant management to support strong overall restaurant operations.
• Communicate effectively with FOH managers and service teams throughout service.
• Help align kitchen production and execution with guest service needs.
• Support special events, catering, high-volume services, and other operational priorities.
• Communicate staffing concerns, product shortages, inventory issues, equipment needs, and operational challenges promptly.
• Help maintain positive and professional communication between BOH and FOH teams.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in a professional restaurant kitchen required.
• Previous experience as a Lead Line Cook, Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, Assistant Kitchen Manager, or similar leadership role preferred.
• Strong understanding of kitchen operations, preparation, food quality, sanitation, and service execution.
• Ability to follow and reinforce recipes, portioning, plating, and culinary standards.
• Basic understanding of inventory, pars, food cost, and waste management.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to coach, support, and hold team members accountable professionally.
• Positive attitude with a strong team-first mindset.
• Willingness to learn and grow into greater kitchen leadership responsibilities.
• New York City Food Protection Certificate required or ability to obtain within the required timeframe.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

What You'll Receive

At Chama Mama, we believe strong leaders are developed through experience, training, accountability, and opportunity. We invest in hospitality professionals who want to grow their skills, take ownership, and build meaningful careers.

As an Assistant Kitchen Manager, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• Paid Time Off.
• Employee dining discounts.
• Structured culinary and operational training.
• Leadership development and professional growth opportunities.
• A clear opportunity to develop toward Kitchen Manager and other culinary leadership positions.
• Opportunities for career advancement within our expanding restaurant group.
• The opportunity to learn, preserve, and share authentic Georgian cuisine, hospitality, and culture.

Our Leadership Principles

At Chama Mama, every team member lives by a few simple beliefs:

• A Guest Is a Gift from God.