Kitchen Manager

ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, The Wayfarer DTLA is a vibrant boutique hotel designed for curious travelers looking to experience the city in a fresh, unconventional way. The 156-room hotel features The Gaslighter Social Club, a lively lobby restaurant and bar, and The Rooftop, offering dining, cocktails, and sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline. With stylish event spaces, unique design elements, and easy access to L.A. Live, Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Convention Center, and other DTLA attractions, The Wayfarer offers an energetic setting for guests to connect, explore, and experience the city.

THE ROLE
As the Kitchen Manager, you’ll lead the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, balancing great food and guest experiences with a well-run, efficient, and profitable operation. You’ll be hands-on with your team, ensuring food quality, production, sanitation, and service standards are consistently met.
You’ll:

• Lead daily kitchen operations and ensure food is prepared and presented to the highest standards
• Supervise, train, coach, and support cooks and other kitchen team members
• Plan staffing and food production based on business levels, schedules, and forecasted needs
• Monitor food quality, portioning, presentation, and consistency
• Order food and supplies based on anticipated needs while managing inventory responsibly
• Manage food costs and contribute to the financial performance of the department
• Inspect kitchen, storage, and walk-in areas to ensure cleanliness, organization, and proper equipment operation
• Maintain strong sanitation practices and compliance with health department standards
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained and communicate repair or maintenance needs
• Delegate work effectively and follow up on performance and standards
• Recognize strong performance and help create a positive, motivated kitchen culture
• Communicate daily priorities, updates, and operational needs with the management team and other departments
• Step in wherever needed to support the restaurant and hotel team

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Success means a kitchen that runs efficiently, consistently produces quality food, and supports an exceptional guest experience. Your team is well-trained, organized, and accountable; food and labor costs are thoughtfully managed; and the kitchen stays prepared for whatever the day brings. You lead from the front, keep standards high, and create an environment where your team can do their best work.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 1+ year of experience in a similar kitchen leadership role within a hotel or restaurant
• Strong food preparation, cooking, and presentation skills, with the ability to work across all kitchen stations
• Experience supervising, training, and developing kitchen team members
• Understanding of food and labor cost control, forecasting, and inventory management
• Strong knowledge of kitchen sanitation, food safety, and health department standards
• Ability to prioritize, organize, delegate, and make timely decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication and team leadership skills
• Ability to address performance issues and follow through on expectations
• Dependable, hands-on, and willing to jump in wherever needed
• English-speaking or bilingual
• Culinary school experience preferred
• Hospitality or restaurant management experience preferred

WHAT WE OFFER

• 401(k)
• Hilton Team Member Rates
• Opportunities to connect, give back, and build community through team events & volunteering.

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