Working Branch Manager

Working Branch Manager – Commercial Kitchen Service

Commercial Kitchen Services | Lenexa, Kansas

Commercial Kitchen Services (CKS) is seeking an experienced commercial kitchen service professional to lead our growing Kansas City operation.

This hands-on role combines billable service work with branch leadership. Approximately 50% of the position involves direct, billable service work. Technician training, technical support and customer visits may increase total field time based on branch needs.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, sound judgment and the ability to develop a dependable team while managing daily operations and customer relationships.

About CKS

For more than 35 years, CKS has provided commercial kitchen equipment service, preventive maintenance, repair and parts throughout Missouri, Southern Illinois and Eastern Kansas.

Headquartered in St. Louis, with service centers in Central Missouri, Springfield and Lenexa, we support restaurants, schools, healthcare facilities, hotels, grocery stores and other foodservice operations. CKS is an authorized warranty service provider for numerous leading manufacturers.

Key Responsibilities

Field and Technical Leadership

• Diagnose and repair commercial cooking, refrigeration, ice and HVAC equipment.
• Run service calls and assist technicians with complex diagnostics and repairs.
• Provide hands-on training to improve technician knowledge, efficiency and service quality.
• Triage urgent needs, support parts identification and promote safe service practices.
• Ensure work orders are accurate, complete and submitted promptly.

Branch and Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop a dependable, customer-focused service team.
• Support scheduling, productivity, workload management and technician accountability.
• Identify training needs and assist with recruiting and onboarding.
• Collaborate with ownership, company leadership and administrative staff.
• Balance field responsibilities with branch priorities and managerial duties.

Customer and Operational Management

• Build trusted relationships with customers, manufacturers and service partners.
• Resolve escalated concerns and communicate repair options, timelines and expectations.
• Oversee inventory, parts control and service-vehicle readiness.
• Support accurate documentation, billing and work-order processes.
• Coordinate emergency calls and changing priorities.
• Work within ServiceChannel, Vixxo, Corrigo and similar platforms.
• Identify operational improvements and support continued branch growth.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive commercial kitchen equipment service experience, including cooking, refrigeration and HVAC systems.
• Strong mechanical and electrical diagnostic skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop technicians.
• Excellent customer-service, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing inventory, parts or service-related assets.
• Strong organization, attention to detail and decision-making under pressure.
• Ability to balance service work with administrative and leadership responsibilities.
• Willingness to learn and adapt as the branch grows.
• Valid U.S.-issued driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• EPA certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of commercial kitchen equipment service experience.
• Experience as a branch manager, service manager, field supervisor or lead technician.
• Master Mechanical certification or license.
• Manufacturer training or certifications in cooking, refrigeration, ice or HVAC equipment.
• Experience with third-party service platforms, technician productivity and customer escalations.

Compensation and Benefits

CKS offers competitive compensation based on experience, technical expertise and leadership responsibilities, along with:

• Stable, year-round, full-time employment.
• Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance.
• 15 days of paid time off and seven paid holidays annually.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Quarterly performance bonus opportunities.
• Company-provided service vehicle, tablet, phone, gas card, uniforms and specialized tools.
• Flexible spending and health savings account options.
• Parental leave and an employee referral program.
• Professional development and manufacturer training.
• The opportunity to shape and grow our Kansas City operation with an established company.

Job type: Full-time
Location: Lenexa, Kansas, serving the greater Kansas City market