Kitchen Manager

Early hours. High standards. No ego.

Smoque BBQ is hiring a Kitchen Prep Manager to run the morning prep operation at one of Chicago’s most respected BBQ restaurants. This is a full-time, early-morning leadership role (typically 6am–2pm, with occasional variation) responsible for overseeing all food prep that powers our high-volume lunch and dinner service.

This isn’t a culinary “create and innovate” role — it’s a get-it-done-right leadership role. You’ll be managing a team of 6 prep cooks and 1 dishwasher each morning to ensure all recipes are executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring smoker runs — getting meats in and out of the pits at the right times, with consistency and care.

• Lead the daily prep operation and morning BOH team (6 prep cooks + 1 dishwasher)

• Oversee execution of large-batch, recipe-driven prep — sauces, rubs, sides, etc.

• Manage smoker timing — loading and unloading meats on schedule

• Maintain prep timelines and task organization to ensure nothing falls behind

• Monitor food quality and consistency throughout all stages of prep

• Enforce food safety and sanitation procedures

• Train, support, and hold your team accountable

• Communicate with FOH and evening BOH staff to ensure smooth handoffs

• You have real kitchen experience — not chasing chef titles, but confident managing production, process, and people

• You’re highly organized , with strong time management skills

• You lead by example and get the best out of others

• You care about doing things right, every single time

• You don’t need the spotlight — but you are the one making sure the lights come on and the food’s ready

• 2–5 years of back-of-house experience, ideally with prep or production management

• Comfortable managing people and setting expectations

• Familiarity with kitchen equipment and prep procedures

• ServSafe Manager certification (or willingness to obtain)

• Able to lift 50 pounds and stay on your feet for extended periods

• Early riser with a flexible schedule (some earlier or later days may be needed)

• English fluency required; Spanish fluency a plus

• Consistent full-time schedule — primarily early mornings

• Respectful, professional kitchen culture

• Competitive pay and benefits

• A leadership role with impact, stability, and zero fluff

• The chance to be part of a team that takes BBQ — and each other — seriously

Sound like your kind of kitchen? Apply now. Let’s talk.