Kitchen Manager – The Train Shed

Position Overview:

As the Kitchen Manager at The Train Shed, you will be the driving force behind our back-of-house operations—from menu creation and food quality to staff development and cost control. You will lead by example, inspire your team, and maintain the highest culinary standards to deliver an outstanding dining experience.

Operating at Union Station means our volume is uniquely dynamic—including the operation of multiple large-scale, immersive pop-up events throughout the year. We are looking for a highly organized, self-disciplined culinary leader who has proven experience stepping into an established staff culture and strategically guiding it toward excellence.

You’ll work closely with the General Manager & FOH management team to control costs, optimize efficiency, and create a unified, high-performing environment for the entire restaurant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Kitchen Leadership: Direct daily kitchen operations and manage a team of chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff

• Menu Development: Design, refine, and execute a creative, seasonal menu aligned with the restaurant’s concept and goals

• Food Quality and Consistency: Ensure every dish meets high standards for flavor, presentation, and consistency

• Staff Training and Development: Hire, train, and mentor kitchen staff to create a strong, collaborative team culture

• Inventory and Cost Management: Oversee food purchasing, control costs, monitor portioning, and reduce waste

• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation regulations (ServSafe certification preferred)

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner with front-of-house leadership and ownership to align kitchen performance with overall business objectives

• Expedite and Problem-Solving: Oversee service during busy shifts, manage workflow, and handle issues quickly and professionally

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience: Minimum 3+ years as a Kitchen Manager, Executive Chef, or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume kitchen

• Culinary Expertise: Strong command of cooking techniques, industry trends, and kitchen operations

• Leadership and Team Management: Ability to train, motivate, and manage a kitchen team with professionalism and energy

• Creativity and Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for food, flavor, and designing unique, guest-driven dishes

• Financial Acumen: Proven experience managing food costs, inventory, and vendor relationships

• Time Management and Organization: Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment

• Communication Skills: Clear, professional communicator with staff, vendors, and leadership

What We Offer:

• A high-energy, high-volume environment with a strong sense of team.
• Career growth in a company that promotes from within.
• A chance to lead in one of St. Louis’s most iconic locations.
• Competitive pay, benefits, and perks, including health insurance, dental & vision, 401(k) and paid time off. 
• A place where your personality and leadership style are assets — not something to tone down.

Come lead where history meets hospitality.

If you’ve got the passion, the presence, and the people skills to make every shift a success, we’d love to meet you. Apply now and let’s talk.