KITCHEN MANAGER / SOUS CHEF
Smokin Jack BBQ & Serata
POSITION SUMMARY
Smokin Jack BBQ and Serata are seeking an experienced, motivated, and results-oriented Kitchen Manager / Sous Chef to oversee culinary operations and support the success of both restaurant concepts.
This position is responsible for maintaining exceptional food quality, operational efficiency, kitchen organization, team development, and financial accountability.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary professional with strong leadership skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to maintain the unique culinary standards of two distinct restaurant concepts.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Culinary Operations & Execution
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, preparation, production, and service execution.
- Maintain consistency in food quality, recipes, portion sizes, and presentation.
- Coordinate daily preparation schedules, production requirements, and station assignments.
- Monitor ticket times, kitchen workflow, and service efficiency.
- Collaborate with management on menu development, seasonal offerings, and culinary improvements.
Kitchen Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, supervise, train, and develop kitchen personnel.
- Establish clear expectations for performance, professionalism, and accountability.
- Promote teamwork, communication, organization, and operational excellence.
- Assist with recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and employee evaluations.
- Conduct pre-shift meetings and communicate daily priorities.
- Address performance issues promptly and professionally.
Concept-Specific Culinary Standards
Smokin Jack BBQ
- Oversee BBQ production, smoking schedules, and meat preparation.
- Maintain consistency in brisket, ribs, pulled pork, poultry, sauces, and sides.
- Monitor product yields, portioning, quality, and production levels.
- Ensure proper operation and maintenance of smokers and BBQ equipment.
- Establish production systems that minimize waste and maintain product availability.
Serata
- Maintain elevated culinary standards and consistent menu execution.
- Oversee preparation, line organization, plating, and presentation.
- Ensure adherence to established recipes and culinary specifications.
- Maintain efficient kitchen operations during peak dining periods.
- Support seasonal menu development and culinary improvements.
Financial Management & Cost Control
- Monitor food costs, labor expenses, and kitchen performance.
- Assist in maintaining established food and labor cost targets.
- Oversee inventory management, purchasing, receiving, and product rotation.
- Maintain accurate inventory counts and appropriate par levels.
- Implement portion control and waste-reduction procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability without compromising quality.
Food Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with applicable health department regulations.
- Maintain proper food handling, temperature monitoring, storage, and labeling.
- Establish and enforce daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning standards.
- Maintain organized walk-ins, freezers, dry storage, and production areas.
- Ensure proper equipment maintenance and safe working conditions.
Communication & Operational Accountability
- Maintain effective communication with ownership, management, and kitchen personnel.
- Coordinate operational priorities and staffing needs across both concepts.
- Provide regular updates regarding inventory, staffing, maintenance, and operational concerns.
- Take ownership of kitchen performance and resolve challenges proactively.
- Ensure company policies, procedures, and standards are consistently followed.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3–5 years of professional culinary experience, preferably in a leadership capacity.
- Previous experience as a Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen teams.
- Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation, and production.
- Experience with food cost management, inventory control, purchasing, and labor scheduling.
- BBQ, smoking, and meat preparation experience strongly preferred.
- Experience in elevated dining or full-service restaurant operations preferred.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation requirements.
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification preferred.
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Operational excellence and attention to detail.
- Strong leadership and employee development skills.
- Financial responsibility and cost awareness.
- Commitment to culinary quality and consistency.
- Adaptability across two distinct restaurant concepts.
- Professionalism, initiative, and a strong work ethic.
- An ownership mentality and commitment to measurable results.
PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS
Performance will be evaluated based on:
- Food quality, consistency, and presentation.
- Food cost performance and inventory accuracy.
- Kitchen labor management and scheduling efficiency.
- Food waste and production controls.
- Service execution and ticket-time management.
- Sanitation, cleanliness, and health inspection compliance.
- Employee training, development, and retention.
- Guest satisfaction and overall kitchen performance.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
This is a full-time, hands-on leadership position requiring an active presence in daily kitchen operations.
The Kitchen Manager / Sous Chef will work across Smokin Jack BBQ and Serata as operational needs require, maintaining consistent standards while respecting the unique identity and culinary direction of each restaurant.
Flexibility, accountability, and a willingness to lead by example are essential.
OUR COMMITMENT
At Smokin Jack BBQ and Serata, we believe exceptional restaurant experiences are built through great food, strong leadership, disciplined operations, and passionate people.
We are looking for a culinary leader who takes pride in their work, develops their team, understands the business, and is committed to delivering excellence every day.
Exceptional Food. Consistent Execution. Strong Leadership. Profitable Operations.
Smokin Jack BBQ & Serata — Two Distinct Concepts. One Commitment to Excellence.