Kitchen Manager
Job Description
Kitchen Manager (Full P&L Ownership)
Artisanal Concept | Northern Virginia Winery
We are launching a distinctive culinary concept within a well-known Northern Virginia winery, centered around artisanal, handcrafted pizza and elevated, ingredient-driven fare. This concept is designed to enhance the guest experience through strong execution, operational discipline, and a consistent, high-quality food program.
We are seeking a Kitchen Manager to serve as the back-of-house operator with full responsibility for the kitchen’s financial and operational performance. This individual will own the P&L, lead all BOH systems and team development, and ensure consistent execution across the menu—including a signature artisanal pizza program.
This is a high-impact opportunity for a hands-on operator who thrives in building systems, leading teams, and driving profitability—while remaining engaged in daily kitchen execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Full P&L Ownership: Take complete accountability for the financial performance of the kitchen, including food cost, labor management, inventory control, and overall profitability.
- BOH Operations Leadership: Oversee all back-of-house operations, ensuring systems, processes, and standards are in place to support consistency and efficiency.
- Cost Controls & Performance Management: Monitor and manage key financial drivers, including purchasing, waste, portioning, and scheduling, to meet or exceed budget targets.
- Staffing & Team Development: Recruit, train, schedule, and develop the kitchen team; establish clear expectations and accountability at all levels.
- Systems & Process Implementation: Build and maintain disciplined systems for ordering, prep, inventory, and workflow to support operational consistency.
- Quality & Execution: Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and speed of service across all offerings.
- Pizza Program Oversight: Lead and execute the artisanal pizza program, ensuring consistency in technique, product quality, and throughput (wood-fired experience preferred).
- Menu Partnership: Collaborate on menu updates, seasonal features, and product development that align with the winery’s brand and guest experience.
- Service Leadership: Remain actively involved in service—supporting the line, managing flow, and reinforcing standards during peak periods.
- Compliance & Safety: Ensure full adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager or BOH leader with full P&L responsibility.
- Strong financial acumen, with a clear understanding of food cost, labor management, and inventory controls.
- Demonstrated success in improving kitchen performance through systems, structure, and accountability.
- Experience leading, developing, and retaining BOH teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Hands-on culinary background, with experience in artisanal pizza or similar programs preferred.
- Highly organized, process-driven, and detail-oriented.
- Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining consistency and standards.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation
- Employee discounts on food, wine, and merchandise
- Growth opportunities within a respected and expanding hospitality group
- The opportunity to lead and build a kitchen operation with full ownership from day one
Meet Your Recruiter
Dan Heltzel
Managing Partner
Dan spent 20 years serving our country, as an officer recruiter for the Navy, recruiting some of the most challenging and niche roles the country had to offer. He led a large team that made significant placements and was awarded top recruiter in the nation for three years in a row. While in the Navy, Dan earned his M.B.A., in Leadership.
After retiring from the Navy, he found a true passion for hospitality recruitment as he spent time working with high-volume restaurant groups in Washington, DC. Dan’s immediate success in the private sector leveraged his extensive training and the high expectations of the US Military. Dan combines his expertise in recruiting with his personal network in the restaurant industry and passion, leading The Talent Shop as our Managing Partner.
Dan is a Dad, Husband, avid tennis player, collector of bourbon, and is as comfortable in a fine restaurant as he is in a sports bar watching his favorite teams.
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