Assistant Kitchen Manager

Assistant Kitchen Manager

Still Austin Whiskey Co. is the first true grain-to-glass whiskey distillery in Austin, Texas. Founded in 2015, we craft award-winning spirits using grains sourced from Texas farmers and a commitment to quality, creativity, and community. As one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the country, we are expanding our hospitality footprint through the development of the Still Austin Quarter (SAQ)—a destination that brings together exceptional food, beverages, events, and experiences.

There has never been a more exciting time to join our team as we build something uniquely Austin and uniquely Still Austin.

The Assistant Kitchen Manager plays a critical leadership role in the daily success of the Still Austin Quarter culinary program. This position partners closely with the Culinary Director to ensure exceptional food quality, operational excellence, team development, and adherence to all safety and sanitation standards.

The ideal candidate is an experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, leads by example, and is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences through consistency, organization, and teamwork. The Assistant Kitchen Manager serves as a coach and mentor to kitchen team members while helping maintain efficient operations across restaurant service, special events, and private functions.

As with all Still Austin team members, this role serves as a brand ambassador and contributes to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and hospitality-driven culture.

Success Profile

To be successful in this role, the Assistant Kitchen Manager will:

• Foster a positive, accountable, and high-performing kitchen culture
• Consistently deliver exceptional food quality and presentation standards
• Support the execution of daily kitchen operations with efficiency and professionalism
• Develop strong working relationships across culinary, bar, events, and front-of-house teams
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and company standards
• Maintain labor, food cost, and inventory controls to support financial performance
• Adapt quickly to changing business demands while maintaining composure under pressure
• Help develop and retain a skilled and engaged culinary team

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead kitchen staff by example through professionalism, accountability, and strong work ethic
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and coaching culinary team members
• Provide ongoing feedback and development opportunities to support team growth
• Help create and maintain staff schedules that support operational needs and labor goals
• Promote a culture of teamwork, communication, respect, and continuous improvement
• Assist with performance management conversations and corrective action documentation when necessary
• Support employee engagement and contribute to a positive workplace culture

Culinary Execution

• Prepare and execute menu items according to established recipes, specifications, and presentation standards
• Ensure consistency, quality, and accuracy in all food production
• Assist in menu execution for restaurant service, special events, private dining, and catered experiences
• Monitor food quality throughout service and address issues proactively
• Maintain proper food storage, handling, labeling, and rotation procedures
• Support menu rollouts, seasonal offerings, and recipe implementation

Operations & Administration

• Assist with daily opening and closing procedures
• Support ordering, receiving, inventory management, and product organization
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate purchasing needs to leadership
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is operated safely and maintained properly
• Help identify opportunities to improve efficiency, workflows, and kitchen organization
• Maintain accurate records related to food safety, sanitation, and inventory management
• Participate in staff meetings and operational planning discussions

Financial Stewardship

• Support labor scheduling to meet productivity and service goals
• Assist in monitoring food cost and waste reduction initiatives
• Ensure proper portioning and recipe adherence to maintain profitability
• Help manage inventory accuracy and minimize product loss
• Support initiatives that drive operational efficiency while maintaining quality standards

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal health regulations
• Ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards, including HACCP principles
• Conduct routine inspections of kitchen areas to ensure cleanliness and safety
• Promote safe work practices and proper use of kitchen equipment
• Maintain required certifications and support team compliance efforts
• Address safety concerns immediately and escalate issues when appropriate

Guest Experience

• Support the delivery of exceptional guest experiences through food quality, speed, and consistency
• Collaborate with front-of-house and events teams to ensure seamless service execution
• Respond professionally to guest concerns related to food quality or kitchen operations
• Help uphold the Still Austin hospitality standards during daily service and special events

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant, hospitality venue, or event-driven culinary operation
• Previous experience as an Assistant Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar leadership role preferred
• Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, kitchen operations, and inventory management
• Working knowledge of food cost controls, labor management, and scheduling practices
• Current Food Manager Certification (ServSafe or equivalent) required
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality standards
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with restaurant POS, scheduling, and inventory systems preferred
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events

Physical Requirements

This position regularly requires the ability to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods of time
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, and reach overhead
• Work safely around hot surfaces, open flames, sharp objects, and commercial kitchen equipment
• Work in varying indoor and outdoor temperatures
• Maintain focus and productivity during busy service periods
• Move quickly and safely throughout kitchen and event spaces