Pizza Department Manager
Do you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen where quality, speed, and consistency come together to create something guests love? At Joseph's Classic Market, our Pizza Department Manager leads a high-energy operation centered around fresh, made-from-scratch products. From dough preparation to final presentation, this role ensures every pizza reflects our standards for taste, quality, and efficiency while delivering a great experience for every guest.
Growth & Learning at Joseph's
We believe in developing strong leaders from within. As Pizza Department Manager, you'll strengthen your skills in production management, food safety, labor planning, and team leadership while operating a high-volume kitchen environment. You'll gain experience managing prep flow, controlling costs, and driving consistency across all products. We value leaders who take ownership, mentor their teams, and grow alongside the business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily production of pizzas, calzones, strombolis, garlic knots, and related items
- Ensure dough is prepped, proofed, and portioned to standard
- Maintain proper topping prep, station organization, and cleanliness
- Operate ovens and prep equipment safely and efficiently
- Manage daily production schedule based on sales patterns and peak periods
- Ensure consistency in portioning, topping placement, bake quality, and packaging
- Perform daily quality checks on dough, sauces, cheese, and toppings
- Rotate inventory using FIFO and maintain visual appealing displays and grab-and-go items
- Follow all company recipes and presentation standards
- Conduct tastings and adjust production as needed
- Maintain compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe, temperature logs, etc)
- Ensure team adherence to hygiene, allergen, and safety protocols
- Oversee cleaning schedules, equipment maintenance, and sanitation procedures
- Maintain department readiness for inspections at all times
- Order ingredients and supplies based on production forecasts
- Manage inventory levels, backstock organization, and product rotation
- Track waste, monitor shrink, and reduce overproduction
- Coordinate with Prepared Foods and Deli departments on shared ingredients
- Ensure team provides fast, friendly, and knowledgeable service
- Handle special orders and customization requests accurately
- Train team on upselling and product knowledge
- Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally
- Hire, train, schedule, and supervise pizza cooks and prep staff
- Provide coaching, motivation, and performance feedback
- Monitor department attendance and ensure associates adhere to scheduled shifts and company timekeeping policies, addressing any attendance or punctuality concerns promptly and consistently
- Follow up on performance or attendance issues with proper documentation and corrective action when necessary, including disciplinary action forms, notes to file, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to support accountability and improvement within the department
- Conduct pre-shift huddles to align on specials, production goals, and cleanliness
- Promote a culture of cleanliness, urgency, hospitality, and pride
- Submit weekly sales, labor, and waste reports to Store Manager
- Maintain prep guides, build sheets, and production logs
- Communicate staffing needs, equipment issues, and inventory shortages
- Participate in store meetings and seasonal menu planning
- Assist with other duties as assigned by store leadership
Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years of leadership experience in pizza or food service environments
- Strong knowledge of pizza dough, toppings, ovens, and prep flow
- ServSafe or food safety certification or willingness to obtain
- Strong leadership, communication, and kitchen management skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, hot kitchen environment
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods
- Flexible availability including weekends, holidays, and evenings
Physical & Work Environment
This role is performed in a fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to high-heat ovens, warm temperatures, and food production equipment. The Pizza Department Manager must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and work efficiently in a high-volume setting. The position involves exposure to flour, dairy, and other food allergens. Flexible availability is required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays to support business needs. The position requires regular interaction with customers and team members, strong communication skills, and the ability to foster a positive, performance-driven work culture.
Why Join Joseph's Classic Market?
At Joseph's Classic Market, pizza is a signature offering-crafted from scratch daily with care, tradition, and quality ingredients. As Pizza Department Manager, you'll lead a dynamic team and help create a memorable food experience for every guest who visits our stores.
Benefits Include:
- Positive Work Environment
- Competitive Pay
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Paid Time Off & Personal Days
- 20% Employee Discount