Kitchen Manager – JINYA Ramen Bar

Job Summary

The Kitchen Manager serves as an ambassador of the JINYA Ramen Bar brand, ensuring food quality, safety, and service consistently exceed company standards. This role provides daily leadership, motivation, and operational oversight for back-of-house team members while supporting overall restaurant success.

The Kitchen Manager acts as a key liaison between guests, kitchen operations, and restaurant leadership—setting the example through strong leadership, cleanliness, productivity, and excellence in food execution.

Primary Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Food Quality

• Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant kitchen environment by enforcing sanitation standards, food safety procedures, and company policies

• Oversee all aspects of kitchen cleanliness, food preparation, and safety protocols

• Monitor, taste, and evaluate food preparation, execution, and presentation to ensure quality standards are consistently met

• Ensure all team members follow proper food handling and cooking procedures

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, train, and develop kitchen team members

• Support both front-of-house and back-of-house operations as needed

• Provide daily guidance, motivation, and performance feedback

• Administer fair and consistent corrective actions when necessary

• Cross-train qualified team members to improve operational efficiency

Inventory, Ordering & Cost Control

• Order food supplies, ingredients, and kitchen materials in a timely and cost-effective manner

• Maintain proper inventory levels and conduct regular inventory counts

• Ensure deliveries meet product specifications, quality standards, and receiving procedures

• Control food costs by minimizing waste, following recipes, and monitoring usage

Scheduling & Labor Management

• Create kitchen staff schedules based on sales forecasts and business needs

• Ensure proper staffing levels while meeting labor cost objectives

• Manage shift coverage, breaks, and operational flow

Equipment & Facility Maintenance

• Oversee kitchen equipment maintenance and repairs

• Conduct routine inspections and follow preventative maintenance programs

• Ensure equipment remains clean and in proper working condition

Operations Coordination & Guest Experience

• Coordinate daily front-of-house and back-of-house operations

• Review sales goals, food quality, and service execution with management

• Respond promptly and professionally to guest concerns and corporate communications

Leadership & Company Culture

• Work closely with the General Manager and leadership team to meet revenue, food cost, and labor goals

• Promote and execute JINYA’s mission, values, vision, and culture

• Complete additional managerial duties as assigned

Required Competencies

• Minimum 2 years of restaurant or hospitality management experience (high-volume experience preferred)

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills

• Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and restaurant operations

• Experience conducting inventory and cost controls

• Proficiency with POS systems (such as ALOHA or similar) and basic computer applications

• Strong mathematical skills for inventory and operational calculations

• Dependable, reliable, and self-motivated

• Ability to lead by example and inspire team performance

• Experience working in a multicultural environment

• Flexible availability including weekends and holidays

• Must be 21 years of age or older

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma preferred (college coursework a plus)

• Ability to read, write, and speak English (Spanish a plus)

• Must obtain and maintain all required local, state, and federal certifications including food handling and alcohol service permits

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional, high-energy restaurant environment. The Kitchen Manager routinely moves between kitchen and restaurant areas while working with pots, pans, kitchen equipment, and operational tools.

The role includes frequent communication with team members and guests, occasional ladder use for overhead items, and constant awareness of safety, cleanliness, and food quality.

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk for extended periods

• Use hands and arms for food preparation and equipment handling

• Lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds

• Work in hot, humid, and wet kitchen environments

• Bend, reach, and navigate busy kitchen spaces

• Distinguish food flavors and quality

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel Requirements

Travel is primarily local based on restaurant location but may include additional locations for training, meetings, or operational support. This role requires more than 50% of time focused on managerial and leadership duties.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties. Responsibilities may change at any time based on operational needs.

Why Work at JINYA Ramen Bar?

JINYA offers a high-volume, chef-driven restaurant environment built on authentic flavors, strong team culture, and professional growth. Kitchen Managers play a vital role in leading operations, developing talent, and delivering exceptional dining experiences every day.

If you’re a strong culinary leader who thrives in fast-paced kitchens and values quality, teamwork, and operational excellence, apply today.