Assistant Kitchen Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Are you a culinary leader who thrives in the heat of a high-volume "game-day" rush? We are seeking a "boots-on-the-ground" Assistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) to join our premier American sports-themed scratch kitchen in Cary, NC. This is not an office-based management role; we need a self-starter who can take control of the line, build structure quickly, and lead by example through prep and service. As a key member of our BOH leadership team, the AKM supports the operational excellence, profitability, and administrative healthof the kitchen, ensuring every guest receives a premium experience even during our busiest shifts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Operational Leadership: Support the Kitchen Manager in daily Back of House (BOH) operations, ensuring all culinary management standards and company values are upheld.

* Production & Execution: Work the line and perform prep functions alongside the team to maintain the high standards of our scratch-made American menu.

* Tactical Station Management: Lead the charge during high-pressure periods, overseeing ticket flow, expo, fry, and grill operations.

* Team Development: Help maintain a fully staffed BOH department through effective communication, active motivation, and professional supervision of a diverse team.

* Inventory & Cost Control: Assist in managing food and labor costs to meet budget goals, including food and smallwares ordering and inventory management.

* Safety & Compliance: Maintain a clean, sanitary, and safe BOH environment for all staff and guests at all times.

* Management Support: Oversee all foodservice operations and prepare necessary operational or P&L reports in the Kitchen Manager’s absence.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* 3–5 years of professional restaurant experience, with at least 3 years specifically in a BOH role such as Kitchen Lead or Sous Chef.

* 2–3 years of experience managing day-to-day operations in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant environment.

* Strong culinary foundation with the ability to perform line-level functions in a scratch-kitchen setting.

* Proven ability to impact P&L results through effective organizational skills and food cost control.

* High resilience and the "grit" to thrive in a loud, high-stress, and fast-moving hospitality leadership environment.

* Physical ability to work 10-hour shifts involving extensive standing and walking.

* Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

PREFERRED BACKGROUND

* Experience in high-volume sports bars or stadium-style dining environments.

* A professional and warm delivery when training and motivating a team.

* Self-starters who require limited hand-holding and can establish operational structure quickly.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

* Competitive salary based on experience.

* Opportunity for professional growth within a premier multi-concept hospitality group.

* Comprehensive benefits package and a dynamic, high-energy work environment in the Cary and Raleigh, NC area.