Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: Cantina Verde- Green Mountain Falls, CO
Restaurant Concept: Southwest-Inspired Cuisine
Position Summary:
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Kitchen Manager to lead the back-of-house operations at our vibrant Southwest-inspired restaurant. This role is responsible for ensuring exceptional food quality, maintaining efficient kitchen operations, and fostering a positive, high-performing team environment. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, a passion for bold flavors and regional ingredients, and a commitment to consistency and excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth service and high-quality food execution
Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, promoting teamwork and accountability
Maintain consistency in preparation and presentation of Southwest-inspired dishes
Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships to control food costs
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards
Develop and refine recipes, specials, and seasonal menu items in collaboration with ownership or executive chef
Monitor kitchen performance metrics, including ticket times, waste, and labor costs
Create staff schedules and manage labor to meet business needs
Foster a culture of cleanliness, organization, and respect in the kitchen
Qualifications:
3+ years of kitchen management or supervisory experience, preferably in a high-volume restaurant
Strong knowledge of Southwest cuisine, ingredients, and cooking techniques (e.g., chilies, grilling, roasting, scratch cooking)
Proven leadership and team development skills
Solid understanding of food safety regulations and kitchen best practices
Experience with inventory systems and cost control
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle pressure during peak service
Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Preferred Skills:
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus but not required
Experience with menu development and seasonal sourcing
Passion for local and sustainable ingredients
What We Offer:
Competitive salary based on experience
Opportunities for growth and creative input
Supportive and energetic work environment
Employee meals and dining discounts
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a dynamic kitchen and bring bold, regional flavors to life while leading a dedicated culinary team.