Job Title: Kitchen Manager / Food Production Manager
Location: Bavarian Inn Restaurant, 713 S Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: 47k-60k; based on experience and average hours worked
Shift Examples: 40-50 hours per week based on business needs; 10am-6pm, 12pm-9pm, 2pm-Close
About Us:
At Bavarian Inn Restaurant, we pride ourselves on our culture of teamwork, excellence, and culinary expertise. As a Kitchen Manager / Food Production Manager, you’ll be an integral part of our leadership team, working alongside two other Kitchen Managers to lead and mentor a team of approximately 65 kitchen team members. You’ll ensure top-notch culinary standards, efficient food production, and a positive, collaborative work environment.
We’re looking for a passionate culinary leader who excels in kitchen operations and has the skills to develop and guide a high-performing kitchen team. If you’re ready to bring your culinary expertise to a place where your leadership makes an impact, we want to hear from you!
Compensation & Benefits:
- Wage: Starting at $22+ per hour (based on skillset & experience), plus $1 more per hour on weekends and holidays.
- Additional Perks:
- Up to $10,000 in tuition reimbursement
- Up to $1,000 in referral incentives for each friend you refer to join us
- Free meals during shifts
- Generous team member discounts in our retail shops and dining rooms
- Bonus & Incentive Programs: Earn up to 6% of yearly wages!
- Healthcare Benefits:
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Coverage
- Voluntary Vision/Dental Coverage
- Disability Insurance Coverage
- 401K/Retirement Plan
- Other Benefits:
- Paid Time Off
- Personal Life Insurance Coverage
- Birthday Brunch/Dinner Certificate
Job Summary:
As the Kitchen Manager / Food Production Manager, your role combines strong culinary skills with leadership expertise. You’ll oversee daily kitchen operations alongside two other Kitchen Managers, ensuring that your team of 65 team members consistently produces high-quality meals while adhering to food safety, cleanliness, and efficiency standards. This position requires a hands-on leader with experience in both managing teams and applying expert culinary knowledge to produce exceptional food.
You’ll have the opportunity to showcase your culinary knowledge in recipe creation, quality control, and food presentation, while mentoring and guiding your team to excel in their skills.
Responsibilities:
-
Lead and Mentor a Diverse Kitchen Team:
- Collaborate with two other Kitchen Managers to guide and support kitchen staff
- Lead by example, demonstrating strong culinary skills and providing hands-on coaching to help your team improve.
- Foster a positive, collaborative team culture, encouraging growth and teamwork.
-
Develop and Maintain High Culinary Standards:
- Oversee food preparation to ensure all dishes are made to the highest culinary standards and consistent with Bavarian Inn’s legacy of excellence.
- Collaborate with our General Managers and Kitchen Leadership team to maintain traditional recipes and develop new, innovative menu items.
- Ensure food presentation, taste, and quality exceed guest expectations every day.
-
Implement Training and Development Programs:
- Develop and coordinate training for all kitchen staff, from basic cooking techniques to advanced culinary skills.
- Provide on-the-job training to ensure team members master food preparation, quality control, and safety standards.
- Offer continuous coaching, helping your team refine their culinary skills and achieve their career goals.
-
Safety and Sanitation Leadership:
- Ensure that all kitchen areas meet the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness, in accordance with Health Department guidelines and Bavarian Inn’s safety/sanitation protocols.
- Conduct daily inspections of the kitchen to ensure a safe, clean, and sanitary work environment.
- Oversee the proper use of kitchen equipment, ensuring that it’s well-maintained and in good working order.
-
Manage Operations and Staffing:
- Organize and assign kitchen team members to ensure all shifts run smoothly, adjusting staffing levels based on guest count and business needs.
- Monitor kitchen operations and food production, making real-time adjustments to ensure efficiency and quality.
- Collaborate with the Food Production Managers to handle food ordering, inventory, and control costs while maintaining quality.
-
Foster a Positive and Productive Work Environment:
- Promote a culture of trust, respect, optimism, and fun within your team.
- Handle any conflicts or challenges in the kitchen swiftly and fairly, always maintaining a positive atmosphere.
- Lead regular team meetings to discuss quality, productivity, and any necessary changes or updates.
-
Collaborate with Leadership Team:
- Regularly meet with the Food Production Managers and other leadership to discuss operational goals, performance metrics, and departmental needs.
- Communicate updates and changes to the kitchen team and other departments to ensure seamless operations.
- Provide leadership during peak times, offering assistance wherever needed to ensure service runs smoothly.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 4 years of experience in a leadership role within a kitchen or food production environment, overseeing a team of 15+ individuals.
- Expertise in culinary techniques, food preparation, and quality control, with the ability to lead by example.
- Experience with food cost control, inventory management, and scheduling.
- Ability to mentor and develop team members, helping them improve their culinary skills.
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-focused mindset.
- Ability to thrive in high-pressure situations while maintaining a positive, professional demeanor.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift 30 to 50 pounds.