Kitchen manager for historic saloon restaurant

The Legal Tender Saloon and Eating House in Lamy, NM is looking for a kitchen manager.

Join us in our historic, beloved restaurant thats been a part of Santa Fe culture and community since 1881!

CLICK HERE to apply now!

Position Summary

As our Kitchen Manager, you will be responsible for leading and overseeing all kitchen operations for our restaurant, ensuring exceptional food quality, efficient service, staff development, inventory control, and financial accountability.
In this position, you will work closely and collaboratively with the restaurant operator, general manager, kitchen staff, and front-of-house teams (servers and bartenders) to deliver a consistent dining experience while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness, and hospitality.

Our ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong culinary and operational experience, excellent organizational skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced restaurant environment. This role requires some computer proficiency, inventory management skills, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting operational goals and deadlines.

The hours would be Thursday, approximately 10-3pm and then FridaySunday, approximately 10-9pm. Additional hours as needed for private events during the week and/or weekends.

KEY AREAS of RESPONSIBILITY

Kitchen Operations & Leadership

-Lead and oversee daily food preparation, cooking, and service operations to ensure consistency, quality, and timely execution.
-Supervise, train, coach, schedule, and evaluate prep cooks, dishwasher and kitchen staff to build a productive and positive team environment.
-Work alongside cooks and restaurant leadership to develop and execute menu offerings that reflect the restaurants brand and customer expectations.
-Monitor food presentation, portion control, and recipe adherence in both preparation and execution to maintain quality standards.
-Assist with food preparation and line operations during peak business periods as needed.

Food Safety & Compliance

-Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local health regulations and food safety standards.
-Oversee proper food handling, storage, sanitation, and cleaning procedures throughout the kitchen.
-Conduct regular inspections and implement corrective actions to maintain health department standards.
-Train staff on food safety, workplace safety, hygiene practices, and accident prevention.
-Maintain all required permits, certifications, and licensing requirements.

Inventory & Purchasing

-Order food, supplies, and kitchen equipment according to business needs and budget requirements.
-Verify deliveries and maintain proper inventory storage procedures.
-Monitor inventory levels, food costs, waste, and product usage to maximize profitability.
-Establish inventory controls and conduct regular inventory counts.
-Coordinate with vendors to ensure quality products and competitive pricing.

Financial & Administrative Management

-Assist ownership and management with kitchen budgeting, forecasting, and cost-control initiatives.
-Monitor labor costs and staffing levels to align with operational needs.
-Maintain accurate records related to inventory, purchasing, food costs, and operational performance.
-Develop and implement written kitchen procedures, standards, and systems.
-Utilize restaurant management software, spreadsheets, email, and reporting tools effectively.

Guest Experience & Team Collaboration

-Collaborate with front-of-house management to ensure exceptional guest experiences.
-Address food quality concerns and operational challenges promptly and professionally.
-Participate in management meetings and contribute to business planning and improvement initiatives.
-Support restaurant events, catering opportunities, special promotions, and community engagement activities as needed.
-Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and hospitality.

Additional Duties

-Participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required.
-Occasional local travel may be required for purchasing, vendor meetings, or restaurant-related events.
-Perform other duties as assigned by ownership or restaurant management.
-Requirements & Qualifications

Required

-High school diploma or GED.
-Minimum 3 years of kitchen management or culinary leadership experience in a restaurant, hospitality, or food service environment.
-Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and kitchen operations.
-Current Food Safety Manager Certification (ServSafe or equivalent).
-Experience with staff supervision, scheduling, training, and performance management.
-Strong computer skills, including spreadsheets, email, inventory systems, and restaurant management software (TOAST, TOCK).
-Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
-Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
-Reliable transportation and valid driver's license.

Preferred

-Culinary degree or formal culinary training.
-Experience in high-volume restaurant or bar-and-grill operations.
-Bilingual English/Spanish.
-Experience with inventory management and cost-control systems.
-Knowledge of menu development and recipe standardization.

Physical Requirements

-Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
-Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
-Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and perform repetitive motions.
-Ability to work in hot, noisy, and fast-paced kitchen environments.
-Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and tools.

Work Environment

The work environment includes exposure to commercial kitchen equipment, cleaning chemicals, temperature fluctuations, and moderate to loud noise levels. Employees may experience periods of high operational demand and time-sensitive service expectations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive wages + bonus based on experience and performance.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!