What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kitchen Manager | Smith Tower position at Columbia Hospitality?
Let’s start off with the most important part – what’s in it for you:
The Perks
“People never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s famous statement serves as a rallying cry throughout Columbia Hospitality and fuels our collective drive - and success.
Our people are our purpose, and our brand is our people. We seek extraordinary individuals who drive our brand promise of Creating Exceptional Experiences. We are a people-first organization, ignited from the inside to succeed on the outside. We are a tight-knit, inclusive, values-driven team and we trust one another to have each other’s backs. We show up every day with open hearts, an inclusive mindset, and a genuine respect for those around us. We have fun, grow together, and strive to leave a positive lasting impression on everyone we meet.
Kitchen Manager
At Smith Tower Observatory and Bar, the Kitchen Manager is the back-of-house leader responsible for driving kitchen excellence across all service areas—including daily operations, special events, and bespoke catering experiences. In partnership with senior leadership, the Kitchen Manager oversees menu development, team performance, and kitchen operations, ensuring each guest encounter reflects quality, creativity, and consistency. This role champions a culture of hospitality, safety, and innovation, while delivering elevated food experiences that define the Smith Tower standard.
What’s you’ll do:
THE BRASS TACKS
The Fine Print
Columbia Hospitality, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy and these values.
Accountability | Creativity | Enthusiasm | Honesty | Inclusion | Respect
Columbia Hospitality is a national management and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in creating hospitality solutions and delivering exceptional experiences. Our portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia Hospitality has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal for their commitment to creating a fun, dynamic and nurturing work environment for team members.
Where you’ll work:
In 1914, Smith Tower became the first skyscraper in Seattle, and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. More than 100 years later, a new Smith Tower visitor experience has reinvigorated this local icon to the delight of visitors and tenants alike. Visitors can now enjoy Smith Tower like they've never seen before. Today, it features an entirely new visitor experience including a ground-floor gathering place with gifts, souvenirs and treats, observational deck and bar where you can enjoy a locally inspired menu of shareable plates and classic cocktails.
Smith Tower carries on its legacy of memory-making through leading tours that provide fascinating insight into the building's renowned past and legendary mysteries, hosting private events, and providing breathtaking views from every angle of the open-air Observatory.
The Fine Print
Columbia Hospitality, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy and these values.
Accountability | Creativity | Enthusiasm | Honesty | Inclusion | Respect
Columbia Hospitality is a national management and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in creating hospitality solutions and delivering exceptional experiences. Our portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia Hospitality has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal for their commitment to creating a fun, dynamic and nurturing work environment for team members.
The Perks
- Eligibility of perks is dependent upon job status
- Salary: $80,500 - $82,000 DOE
- Downtown Seattle Parking Benefit
- Get Paid Daily (Make any day payday)
- Paid Time off & Holiday Pay (Because Balance Matters)
- Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 401K
- HSA/FSA Plans -with employer contribution
- Values Based Culture (#OMGLIFE)
- Culture Add (Creating Space for Fresh Perspectives)
- Referral Bonus (Get Paid to Recruit)
- Discounted Lodging, Dining, Spa, Golf, and Retail (Yes, Discounted Travel!)
- Employee Assistance Program
- “Columbia Cares” Volunteer Opportunities
- Committee Participation Opportunities (Fun, Philanthropic, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion)
- Task Force Work Opportunities (Grow your career in idyllic locations across the globe)
- Online Learning Platform to Help You Grow!
- Third Party Perks (Including discounts on Pet Insurance, Rental Cars, Movie and Concert Tickets, Theme Park and Attractions & so much more)
“People never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s famous statement serves as a rallying cry throughout Columbia Hospitality and fuels our collective drive - and success.
Our people are our purpose, and our brand is our people. We seek extraordinary individuals who drive our brand promise of Creating Exceptional Experiences. We are a people-first organization, ignited from the inside to succeed on the outside. We are a tight-knit, inclusive, values-driven team and we trust one another to have each other’s backs. We show up every day with open hearts, an inclusive mindset, and a genuine respect for those around us. We have fun, grow together, and strive to leave a positive lasting impression on everyone we meet.
Kitchen Manager
At Smith Tower Observatory and Bar, the Kitchen Manager is the back-of-house leader responsible for driving kitchen excellence across all service areas—including daily operations, special events, and bespoke catering experiences. In partnership with senior leadership, the Kitchen Manager oversees menu development, team performance, and kitchen operations, ensuring each guest encounter reflects quality, creativity, and consistency. This role champions a culture of hospitality, safety, and innovation, while delivering elevated food experiences that define the Smith Tower standard.
What’s you’ll do:
THE BRASS TACKS
- Oversees all aspects of daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and adherence to food safety and quality standards.
- Leads the recruitment, onboarding, and continuous development of the culinary team, cultivating a high-performing culture grounded in accountability, creativity, and excellence.
- Partners closely with the Food & Beverage Manager and Sales & Events Manager to execute special events/banquets, private events, and catered experiences with precision and innovation.
- Participates in daily event briefings and contract reviews to ensure alignment and flawless execution across departments.
- Facilitates monthly back-of-house team meetings to share updates, celebrate achievements, and drive engagement.
- Drives operational success through strong collaboration with the greater Food & Beverage team, ensuring an elevated guest experience that surpasses expectations.
- Champions a safe and well-maintained work environment by upholding safety protocols and swiftly addressing any hazards or equipment concerns, and to ensure that back-of-house areas are ready for unscheduled health inspections.
- Develops and maintains all culinary menus in alignment with brand standards, obtaining final approval from senior leadership.
- Develops unique event concepts and themed menus, providing culinary leadership to support the planning and execution of bespoke experiences.
- Maintains clear and proactive communication across departments, ensuring alignment and awareness of changes, challenges, or guest needs.
- Responds professionally and promptly to guest, client, or team feedback, fostering positive relationships and reinforcing service excellence.
- Upholds security standards and operational integrity, protecting company assets and proprietary information.
- Reviews and audits kitchen team payroll daily for accuracy and compliance.
- Conducts monthly food and beverage inventories, maintaining cost control, and accountability.
- Embodies a service-forward mindset, ensuring every team member delivers with responsiveness, enthusiasm, and follow-through.
- Completes administrative duties related to the position with precision, timeliness, and attention to detail.
- Strives to innovate and elevate culinary offerings, maintaining a relentless focus on quality and guest satisfaction.
- Exemplifies Columbia Hospitality’s core values and mission through leadership, service, and everyday interactions.
- Other Duties as assigned by Management.
- Experience: Culinary arts degree or equivalent training, with at least 7 years in the industry and 2 years in a management role within a comparable environment.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to address sensitive inquiries and operational needs.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Proficiency in managing according to employment and industry-relevant laws.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated conflict management and negotiation abilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and other relevant software.
- Financial Acument: Able to do menu costing, analyze product mix, and ensure financial profitability.
- Interpersonal Skills: Professional, enthusiastic demeanor with a focus on team engagement and client satisfaction.
- Attention to Detail: Exceptional organizational skills with a reliable and punctual work ethic.
- Certification: Necessary State Food Handler’s License(s) and WA State MAST Permit
The Fine Print
Columbia Hospitality, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy and these values.
Accountability | Creativity | Enthusiasm | Honesty | Inclusion | Respect
Columbia Hospitality is a national management and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in creating hospitality solutions and delivering exceptional experiences. Our portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia Hospitality has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal for their commitment to creating a fun, dynamic and nurturing work environment for team members.
Where you’ll work:
In 1914, Smith Tower became the first skyscraper in Seattle, and the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. More than 100 years later, a new Smith Tower visitor experience has reinvigorated this local icon to the delight of visitors and tenants alike. Visitors can now enjoy Smith Tower like they've never seen before. Today, it features an entirely new visitor experience including a ground-floor gathering place with gifts, souvenirs and treats, observational deck and bar where you can enjoy a locally inspired menu of shareable plates and classic cocktails.
Smith Tower carries on its legacy of memory-making through leading tours that provide fascinating insight into the building's renowned past and legendary mysteries, hosting private events, and providing breathtaking views from every angle of the open-air Observatory.
The Fine Print
Columbia Hospitality, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We strive for excellence in every position within the company and select the most qualified people who embrace our service philosophy and these values.
Accountability | Creativity | Enthusiasm | Honesty | Inclusion | Respect
Columbia Hospitality is a national management and consulting company with more than 25 years of experience in creating hospitality solutions and delivering exceptional experiences. Our portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia Hospitality has been consistently recognized as one of the Top Companies to Work for in Washington by Seattle Business Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal for their commitment to creating a fun, dynamic and nurturing work environment for team members.
Salary : $80,500 - $82,000