Kitchen Manager/Head Chef or Cook

Job Title: Kitchen Manager / Head Cook

• Job Type: Full-time in Belleville, Illinois
• Salary: $47,000 – $52,000 per year (Based on experience) Monthly & Quarterly Team Bonus Program

Job Summary

Are you an energetic culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment? We are seeking a hands-on Kitchen Manager / Head Cook to lead our back-of-house team. This is a unique opportunity to run a high-volume restaurant inside a premier Entertainment Center featuring laser tag, movie theaters, go-karts, bowling, and a multi-level sports bar; in addition to a banquet/party room.

In this role, you will work closely with our Restaurant Manager and Management Team to deliver high-quality food for our full-service restaurant, busy bars, and large-scale birthday and banquet events. If you love thinking outside the box and bringing high energy to your work, we want to hear from you!

Core Responsibilities

Hands-On Culinary Execution

• Line Operations: Work the line daily, demonstrating excellence in prep work, cooking, expediting, and presentation.
• Menu Execution: Master and oversee the production of high-volume favorites, including pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and event catering.
• Quality Control: Taste, smell, and visually inspect dishes to ensure correct portions, textures, garnishes, and flavors.
• Kitchen Support: Lead by example and jump into any station—including dishwashing—during peak hours to maintain ticket times.

Team Leadership & Management

• Talent Development: Recruit, hire, onboard, and train back-of-house employees at all levels.
• Performance Management: Coach, counsel, inspire and discipline staff while conducting regular performance appraisals.
• Task Delegation: Multi-task effectively to delegate duties, ensuring fast service without sacrificing food quality.
• Safety & Compliance: Implement and enforce state, and local sanitation rules, including holding Food Handlers and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certificates.

Administration & Operations

• Inventory Control: Assess, maintain, and conduct full weekly inventory audits to minimize waste and manage food costs.
• Equipment Care: Schedule and oversee regular maintenance and emergency repairs on all kitchen appliances.
• Professional Growth: Stay current on industry trends by attending workshops and reviewing professional culinary publications.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 3 years of culinary experience AND 2 years of restaurant management experience.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certifications: Food Safety/Sanitation Management certification required. First Aid/CPR/Heimlich certification is a plus.
• Skills: Outstanding teamwork, guest service, strategic planning, and crisis management skills.
• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Compensation & Perks

• Competitive base salary ($47,000 - $52,000), based on experience & qualifications
• Performance-based monthly and quarterly team bonus program
• Medical Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Program with Company Match
• Paid Vacation

· Free Employee meal per shift

· Free Movies, Laser Tag & Go-Karts

Schedule and Physical Requirements

· Must be available to work varied shifts, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a kitchen environment.

· Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 50 pounds as needed.

· Ability to work around hot equipment, sharp tools, cold storage areas, and cleaning chemicals while following safety procedures.

Skills

• Extensive culinary experience with a strong background in fine dining, catering, or restaurant management.
• Proven supervising experience with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Knowledge of food safety protocols, sanitizing procedures, and proper food handling practices.
• Experience in banquet service, food service management, and inventory control systems.
• Skilled in menu planning, cost control, and managing kitchen budgets effectively.
• Excellent leadership qualities combined with strong communication skills to foster teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining high standards of food quality and service excellence.

Join us and bring your culinary expertise into a lively environment where innovation meets hospitality!

Pay: $47,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $47,000 - $52,000