What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kitchen Manager position at Gecko Hospitality?
Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: Brick, New Jersey
Position Overview:
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Kitchen Manager to lead back-of-house operations in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant specializing in authentic, scratch-made barbecue. This role is responsible for ensuring consistent food quality, managing kitchen staff, maintaining operational efficiency, and upholding the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a passion for smoked meats, team development, and delivering an exceptional guest experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, execution, and plating standards
- Lead, train, and develop a team of cooks and prep staff to ensure consistency and efficiency
- Maintain strict adherence to recipes, cooking techniques, and quality standards, especially for smoked and slow-cooked meats
- Manage food costs, portioning, waste control, and inventory levels to meet financial goals
- Create and manage staff schedules based on business needs and labor targets
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations
- Oversee ordering and vendor relationships, ensuring timely delivery and product quality
- Maintain equipment and coordinate repairs to ensure smooth kitchen operations
- Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless service and guest satisfaction
- Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment built on accountability and respect
Qualifications:
- 2–4 years of experience in a Kitchen Manager or supervisory culinary role
- Strong knowledge of barbecue techniques, including smoking, grilling, and meat preparation preferred
- Proven ability to manage food costs, labor, and kitchen performance metrics
- Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen sanitation practices
- Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a fast-casual or quick-service restaurant environment
- Background in high-volume smoked meat or barbecue concepts
- ServSafe or similar food safety certification
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive base salary
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Opportunities for growth and advancement
Work Environment:
This role requires standing for extended periods, working in a hot kitchen environment, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds. The Kitchen Manager is expected to lead from the front, maintaining a strong presence in the kitchen during peak service times and ensuring consistent execution across all shifts.
Pay: From $66,868.70 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $66,869