Kitchen Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Multi-Unit Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing back-of-house culinary operations across multiple restaurant or concession concepts within an airport environment. This role ensures food quality, operational consistency, labor efficiency, sanitation compliance, and team leadership while supporting high-volume service in a fast-paced, customer-focused setting. The position partners closely with Executive Chefs, General Managers, and airport concession leadership to maintain brand standards and operational excellence across all assigned units.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership

• Supervise daily kitchen operations across multiple airport concession units.

• Ensure consistent execution of recipes, portioning, presentation, and quality standards.

• Support menu rollouts, seasonal promotions, and operational initiatives.

• Monitor food production levels to meet fluctuating passenger volume and peak travel periods.

• Conduct regular line checks and kitchen inspections across all locations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and motivate kitchen staff, supervisors, and prep teams.

• Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management.

• Train employees on food preparation, safety procedures, sanitation standards, and operational policies.

• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Manage food inventory, ordering, receiving, and vendor relationships.

• Control food cost, waste, spoilage, and labor expenses.

• Conduct inventory counts and reconcile variances.

• Ensure proper product rotation and storage procedures.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, federal, TSA, airport authority, and health department regulations.

• Maintain HACCP, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.

• Prepare kitchens for inspections and audits.

• Enforce cleanliness and maintenance standards throughout all kitchen facilities.

Multi-Unit Coordination

• Travel between airport concession locations to support operational needs.

• Coordinate staffing and production across multiple concepts or brands.

• Troubleshoot operational challenges and implement process improvements.

• Communicate effectively with front-of-house leadership and support departments.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Complete daily reports, labor tracking, inventory documentation, and operational logs.

• Assist with budgeting and forecasting.

• Monitor productivity and KPI performance metrics.

• Participate in management meetings and operational planning.

• May be required to perform other duties and responsibilities as needed, beyond those specifically listed in the job posting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 3- 5 + years of kitchen management experience in high-volume food service.

• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.

• Experience managing labor, inventory, and food costs.

• Proven leadership and team development skills.

• Ability to work flexible schedules including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Food Handlers license or willing to obtain one within the first 30 days of hire

• Ability to obtain and maintain all credentials and security clearances required to work at JFK Airport.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-unit, airport, hotel, stadium, or concession experience preferred.

• ServSafe Certification or equivalent preferred.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• High-volume kitchen operations.

• Leadership and coaching.

• Inventory and cost management.

• Time management and organization.

• Problem-solving and decision-making.

• Communication and interpersonal skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for extended periods.

• Frequent walking between concession locations.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to work around hot equipment, refrigerated areas, and busy kitchen environments.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must be available to work a flexible full-time schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on operational needs.

BENEFITS

• Bonus opportunities.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid time off.

• Meal benefits.

• Career growth opportunities