Hospitality Confidential is excited to present a new Kitchen Manager opportunity with a beloved, mission-driven café and lifestyle brand known for its commitment to organic, sustainable practices and warm, community-centered service. This concept was among the first in the country to specialize in heirloom and organic coffee, and it continues to grow with new locations and loyal followers across the region. The company fosters a collaborative and inclusive team culture, with a focus on long-term growth, integrity, and excellence in both product and service. They’re seeking kind, hardworking hospitality professionals who value quality, teamwork, and guest experience for their Laguna Beach location. If you’re looking to join a purpose-driven company with a strong foundation and an exciting future, we’d love to hear from you!

Position Overview

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. Supervisors may assign additional responsibilities, and the responsibilities may change as the needs of the business change.

Responsibilities:

• Must possess general knowledge of all kitchen positions and be able to provide training to all positions.
• Assign duties to kitchen staff.
• At the start of each shift, ensure that proper prep pars are established to prevent food waste.
• Verify the accuracy and quality of all food deliveries from UHC and all other vendors.
• Check uniforms, buttons, cutting gloves, safety belts and safety shoes.
• Check all equipment for good working conditions and report to managers if in need of replacement as soon as possible. If equipment is broken, please set aside and send a repair email.
• Ensure the kitchen is always prepared for health inspections and maintain standards to achieve an A-rating. Make sure to check the temperatures properly and log them on the kitchen temperature sheet.
• Inspect all containers in the refrigerators for lids or covers and notify management if replacements or additional items are needed
• Taste all food and fruits before opening.
• Check and assign the overall cleanliness of all kitchen equipment, floors and walls using the cleaning checklist.
• Perform daily health and safety inspection.
• Assist in expediting throughout the shift.
• Check and verify all orders that go out for presentation, accuracy and quality.
• Keep a log of wrong items and additional written requests (Use waste log sheet).
• Ensure that guest food issues are resolved immediately.
• Prepare catering, to-go, and delivery orders.
• Take inventory and place UHC and produce orders.
• Conduct accurate weekly inventory counts to achieve the targeted food cost percentage
• Provide a weekly report every Wednesday to management detailing supplies that need to be ordered.

Interpersonal Dynamics:

• Identify Talent: Assess and recognize the strengths and potential of team members to support career development within the company.

• Address Employee Issues: Actively listen to employee concerns, ensuring a supportive and positive work environment.

• Coach Employees: Provide one-on-one coaching and feedback to help employees enhance their skills.

• Be a Role Model: Exemplify company values and best practices, inspiring others through your actions and attitude in a fast-paced restaurant setting

• Communicate Effectively: Maintain open lines of communication with the team and upper management, facilitating feedback and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration.

General and Safety:

• Use safety belt and safety shoes at all times.
• Use hand truck to move or lift anything over 25lbs.
• Must perform physical activities in a variety of environmental conditions that require moderate strength including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking and handling of materials. 
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.

• The position requires the lifting of 25lbs. Anything over 25lbs. assistance will be given to you.

• Watch for wet floors and spillage, put signs and dry immediately.

• CLEAN AS YOU GO! Watch for food, debris and objects on the floor.

• The position requires the employee to be friendly and courteous.

• Our Guests always come first! Use Please and Thank you at all times!

Physical Requirements:

• The ability to lift 25lbs regularly & un-assisted

• The ability to respond quickly to sounds

• The ability to move safely over uneven terrain or in confined spaces

• The ability to safely climb ladders

• The ability to work in cold temperatures

• The ability to wear personal protective gear correctly most of the day

• The ability to perform repetitive standing, walking, squatting, bending, kneeling, twisting, stooping, balancing, reaching, pushing

Compensation & Benefits:

• $24 hourly rate

• $35 meal benefit a day

• Outside of an employee’s shift, including before the start of their shift, the employee is entitled to a 30% discount on all food and beverage items at the Company’s cafes.

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Coverage

• PTO + Sick Time

Our client is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, ancestry, national origin, alienage or citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, or other protected status.