Kitchen Manager

The Spoke & Bird is a woman-owned and operated farm-to-table food hospitality group. We’re a cafe & beer garden and bakery company who supports other locally owned shops, employs people in the community and buys its ingredients from local sources and urban farms. We're dedicated to creating a culture that supports a friendly work environment with reliable employment. There are many opportunities for growth within our company as we expand and grow our brand & business.

Job Summary:
We are seeking an adept and motivated Kitchen Manager/ Chef to lead our fast-paced restaurant & cafe located in South Loop, Chicago. As the Kitchen Manager, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining the highest culinary standards, ensuring efficient kitchen operations, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Your leadership and culinary expertise will contribute to the continued success and growth of our establishment.Base salary is in the 70-80K range based on your experience and more so previous accomplishments and the skills you're bringing. A bonus program is in place that has the potential to pay out up to an additional 25% of base salary. Options/equity along with liberal time off are on the table.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor the kitchen team providing guidance, training, and fostering a positive work environment that encourages growth and teamwork.
• Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring the preparation, cooking, and presentation of dishes meet our quality standards and brand ethos.
• Collaborate with the co-owners and general manager to develop and refine menus, ensuring a balance between creativity, customer preferences, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage kitchen staff scheduling, ensuring appropriate staffing levels for peak hours and special events.
• Monitor inventory levels, order supplies, and manage kitchen budgets to achieve financial targets without compromising quality.
• Maintain and enforce all food safety and sanitation regulations, ensuring a safe and clean kitchen environment.
• Oversee the preparation and execution of catering and special event orders, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging culinary creativity and experimentation among the team.
• Work closely and openly communicate with the General Manager and Sous Chefs.
• Lead by example, exhibiting a strong work ethic, excellent culinary skills, and a commitment to our company values.

Qualifications:

• At least two years previous experience in a supervisory kitchen role.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse culinary team.
• Knowledge of farm-to-table principles and experience working with locally sourced ingredients.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with various teams and communicate instructions clearly.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays as required.
• Experience in menu planning, costing, and food cost management.
• Creative mindset with the ability to contribute innovative ideas to menu development.
• A passion for supporting local businesses and contributing to a sustainable food culture.

To Apply:
Send your resume or some semblance of work history along with an introduction. We are an awesome group to work with, so please give some consideration to your email response as it will demonstrate your level of interest and ability to follow instructions :)
ALL emails received that don’t include a resume or work history will be ignored.