Now Hiring: Kitchen Manager for High-Volume BBQ Restaurant

Location: Ames, Iowa

Full Time | Competitive Pay + Bonus

Reports to: Operations Manager

Do you want to love your job? Join the Hickory Park family and take pride in your work! In our fast-paced restaurant environment, the kitchen is the hub of excitement at Hickory Park! We have an immediate opening for a full-time Kitchen Manager to join our team and help drive the heart of our operation, which is the kitchen!

Hickory Park is a beloved local BBQ restaurant known for our authentic flavor, from slow-smoked ribs to house-made sides. We serve a high volume of guests every day, and quality never takes a back seat. We take pride in our food, our team, and the experience we deliver.

Job Summary:

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our kitchen. Kitchen Manager will be responsible for managing kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety standards, maintaining inventory and supplies, and supporting overall kitchen efficiency. A strong leader with excelled communication and problem-solving skills is essential.  In addition, the kitchen managers ensure that the company’s standards are upheld: the food looks good and is cooked properly, the proportions are correct, and it is cooked and served quickly.

Benefits include:

• Completive pay and flexible work schedule.
• On-the-job training.
• Paid bi-weekly.
• Monthly food allowance.
• Vacation Time and Paid Holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision.
• Company paid life insurance and long-term disability.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• A fun, team-first environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervise kitchen staff and coordinate food preparation and service.

• Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations (e.g., HACCP).
• Train, schedule, and evaluate kitchen employees to maintain productivity and morale.
• Manage kitchen budgets, inventory, and ordering supplies.
• Monitor food costs, waste, and portion control to ensure profitability.
• Collaborate with chefs and front-of-house managers to design and update menus.
• Address and resolve kitchen-related issues efficiently.
• Ensure cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and storage areas.
• Oversee maintenance and repair needs for kitchen equipment.

Skill Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, or similar role.
• In-depth knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Culinary school diploma or equivalent experience is preferred.
• ServSafe or other food handler certifications may be required.

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time position that will require some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Standing for extended periods.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Fun, flexible, and family friendly work environment!

Hickory Park is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes everyone to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.