Kitchen Manager (Alpine)

About Us: We are a fast-paced Bar & Grill located in East County San Diego, known for our high-energy environment, delicious food, and commitment to providing an environment rich in hospitality for both our guests and our team. We are looking for a motivated, passionate, and hands-on Kitchen Lead to join our team and help take our kitchen to the next level. Position Summary: The Kitchen Lead is responsible for managing all aspects of kitchen operations, including supervising and scheduling staff, managing food costs, ensuring quality control, maintaining inventory, and fostering a positive and productive work environment. This is a leadership role that reports directly to the owner. If you are passionate about food, hospitality, creativity, and operational excellence, we want to hear from you! Key Responsibilities: Team Leadership & Training: Manage, mentor, schedule, and develop kitchen staff. Provide training and guidance to ensure consistent performance. Build team morale and create a collaborative, fun, and safe work environment rich in hospitality. Food Preparation & Quality Control: Oversee all food prep to ensure consistency, quality, and presentation standards are met. Monitor recipes and plating to maintain high culinary standards. Inventory & Ordering: Manage inventory, par levels, and ordering to ensure the kitchen runs efficiently without overstocking or waste. Cost Management: Track and manage food costs, reduce waste, and implement strategies to maximize profitability. Menu Development: Collaborate on menu creation, seasonal specials, and innovative dishes that align with our brand and customer expectations. Cleanliness & Safety: Ensure the kitchen meets strict cleanliness standards, adheres to health and safety regulations, and maintains a safe working environment. Reporting: Provide regular updates to the owner regarding kitchen operations, inventory, and staff performance. Qualifications: Proven experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Strong leadership, team management, and scheduling skills. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations. Experience with inventory management, food cost control, and ordering. Passion for food, creativity, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Spanish is a plus. What We Offer: Competitive pay at $22 - $26/hour based on experience Opportunities for growth and advancement A dynamic, fast-paced work environment Opportunities for creativity and input on menu and operations Supportive team and positive workplace culture How to Apply: If you are passionate about food, hospitality, and leadership, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, apply today!