Kitchen Manager

Location: Buck & Honey’s – Waunakee
Reports To: Waunakee Chef
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

Buck & Honey’s Waunakee is seeking a hands-on, organized, and driven Kitchen Manager to help lead daily kitchen operations and support a high-performing culinary team. This role is responsible for maintaining strong kitchen systems, ensuring food quality and sanitation standards, supporting prep and event execution, managing inventory and ordering, and helping create a positive and efficient kitchen culture.

The Kitchen Manager works closely with the Executive Chef and leadership team to ensure smooth daily operations while providing support, coaching, and accountability for the kitchen staff. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, leads by example, and enjoys developing strong teams and operational consistency.

Essential Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

Support and oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient and high-quality food execution
Assist with kitchen workflow and support line execution during busy service periods
Ensure all food is prepared and plated according to company standards
Support prep production and coordinate food preparation for catering, parties, and special events
Help maintain consistency in recipes, presentation, and food quality
Work alongside the Chef to support daily menu execution and specials

Team Leadership & Development
Provide hands-on leadership and support to kitchen staff

Help train and reinforce kitchen procedures, standards, and expectations
Promote teamwork, urgency, accountability, and a positive kitchen culture
Assist with scheduling, coaching, and daily staff support as needed
Step into various kitchen roles when necessary to support operations

Inventory & Ordering

Assist with food and supply ordering
Monitor inventory levels and communicate product needs to leadership
Receive and organize deliveries
Support monthly inventory processes
Minimize waste through proper storage, rotation, and inventory practices

Cleanliness & Food Safety

Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organization, and sanitation throughout the kitchen
Ensure compliance with all food safety and health department regulations
Monitor completion of daily and weekly cleaning tasks
Help maintain kitchen equipment and organization standards

Qualifications

Minimum of 2 years of kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant environment preferred
Strong communication and organizational skills
Ability to lead and support a team in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations
Inventory and ordering experience preferred
Catering or large-event food preparation experience preferred
ServSafe certification is a plus
Spanish speaking ability is a plus
Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred Traits

Strong sense of urgency
Team-oriented leadership style
Reliable and dependable
Detail-oriented and organized
Positive attitude and strong work ethic
Ability to multitask and adapt under pressure
Leads by example and supports team development
Spanish a plus

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Frequent bending, lifting, reaching, carrying, pushing, and pulling
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment with moderate to loud noise levels

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive pay
Health benefits
Paid time off
Fringe Benefits
Meal discounts
Growth opportunities within Buck & Honey’s

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site

Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager