Pit Master

Pit Master

Job Category: Ops - Culinary

Location: Horseshoe Bay, TX Compensation: $75,000 $95,000 base salary + performance bonus + benefits

Position Summary

The Pit Master is responsible for building and leading the end-to-end barbecue program at Horseshoe Bay Sporting Club. This role combines culinary leadership, operational ownership, and hands-on pit execution. The successful candidate will design, implement, and maintain a high-quality barbecue program, including equipment selection, menu development, sourcing, team leadership, and quality standards. This is a foundational role with full ownership of the program and strong support for execution.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Operations

• Design and implement the full barbecue program, including smoker specification, kitchen layout, and workflow
• Establish meat sourcing strategy, including vendor relationships, quality standards, and cost controls
• Develop and manage daily production schedules, prep cycles, and service execution
• Maintain consistent food quality and presentation standards

Menu Development

• Create and execute a cohesive barbecue menu including brisket, ribs, sides, and specialty items
• Ensure high-quality standards across all menu items, including sides and accompaniments
• Introduce seasonal offerings and continuously refine menu performance

Team Leadership & Training

• Recruit, hire, and develop kitchen and pit staff
• Establish training programs and documented standard operating procedures
• Foster a positive, respectful, and performance-driven team culture
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards

Build-Out & Implementation (Year One Focus)

• Collaborate with leadership on smokehouse design and construction
• Establish inventory systems, supplier processes, and operational workflows
• Support pre-opening activities, including testing, training, and launch readiness
• Partner with marketing on program identity and positioning

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Proven hands-on barbecue/pit experience in a high-quality environment
• Experience operating smokers and managing long cook processes
• Strong understanding of meat sourcing, preparation, and food quality standards
• Experience leading teams in a kitchen or food production environment

Preferred Background

• Experience as Lead or #2 Pit Master at a recognized barbecue program
• Experience building or launching a food or barbecue concept
• Competition barbecue or specialty craft experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and team development skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to manage time-sensitive production processes
• Strong problem-solving and operational decision-making capability
• Passion for hospitality and guest experience

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-site role
• Requires early mornings, evenings, weekends, and long cook cycles
• Physically demanding environment, including heat exposure and lifting

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary ($75,000 $95,000)
• Performance-based bonus program
• Health insurance (company contribution)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)
• Equipment and program investment support

Career Growth Opportunities

• Advancement to Named Pit Master with regional recognition
• Potential progression to Director of Barbecue across multiple locations

Equal Opportunity Statement

Horseshoe Bay Sporting Club is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics.