Manager - Kitchen/Executive Chef

Position Summary:The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the prepared foods kitchen, ensuring that all recipes are executed with precision, food safety standards are upheld, and production goals are met. This role requires a strong culinary background, team leadership, organizational skills, and a passion for delivering delicious, high-quality food consistently.Key Responsibilities:Culinary Operations Supervise daily production of all prepared foods including hot bar, grab-and-go, soups, salads, entrees, and catering Ensure all recipes are followed accurately and consistently, maintaining Joseph's quality standards Maintain proper portioning, ingredient prep, cooking times, and food presentation Schedule production to meet sales forecasts and peak traffic times Oversee special menus for holidays and events Food Safety & Sanitation Enforce strict adherence to food safety regulations (e.g., ServSafe, HACCP, temperature logs) Maintain clean and organized prep areas, coolers, and storage areas Monitor and document hot/cold holding temperatures, cooling procedures, and shelf life Lead weekly deep-cleaning and sanitation schedules Prepare department for internal audits and health inspections Inventory & Cost Control Order ingredients and supplies from approved vendors based on par levels and menu planning Maintain organized inventory systems for dry goods, fresh ingredients, and prepared items Track usage and minimize food waste through effective prep and repurposing plans Manage food cost targets and labor productivity Monitor catering supply inventory and coordinate with front-end teams Team Leadership Hire, train, and lead cooks, prep staff, and kitchen porters Provide ongoing coaching and feedback; conduct performance reviews Create weekly schedules and manage labor within budget Lead daily pre-shift huddles with culinary team Foster a culture of accountability, pride, and teamwork Catering & Guest Service Oversee production and packaging of catering orders (corporate, events, holidays) Ensure accuracy, presentation, and on-time readiness of all catered food Respond to last-minute catering changes or high-volume demands professionally Support customer service team with product knowledge and cross-department coordination Reporting & Communication Submit weekly production, waste, and labor reports to Store Manager Participate in department head meetings and seasonal menu planning Communicate clearly with deli, bakery, meat, and grocery teams for product planning Develop prep guides, batch logs, and training materials for new team members Qualifications: 3-5 years of culinary/kitchen management experience (preferably in retail or catering) Proven experience leading a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment Culinary degree or food service certification preferred Valid ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalent Strong knowledge of food safety, kitchen operations, and recipe execution Ability to lift 50 lbs, stand for long hours, and work in hot/cold conditions Bilingual English and Spanish preferred Excellent communication, time management, and leadership skills Working Conditions: Fast-paced kitchen and retail food service environment Exposure to heat, refrigeration, wet floors, and heavy kitchen equipment Schedule includes early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays Why Join Joseph's Classic Market?Joseph's Classic Market is known for its fresh, high-quality prepared foods made from scratch daily. As Kitchen Manager, you'll be part of a passionate team committed to tradition, taste, and excellence. We value your creativity, leadership, and dedication to bringing comfort and flavor to every guest experience.Benefits Include: Positive Work Environment Competitive Pay Health, Dental and Vision Insurance 401(k) Plan Paid Time Off & Personal Days 20% Employee Discount Bonus Programs for Management Interview ProcessAt Joseph's Classic Market, we utilize VidCruiter as part of our interview process. This platform allows candidates to complete video interviews at their convenience, giving our hiring team the opportunity to better understand your experience and qualifications early in the process.Employment EligibilityJoseph's Classic Market participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization for all new employees. As part of the hiring process, employment eligibility will be verified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.