Kitchen Manager - Dana Point

The Kitchen Manager at Mother’s Market is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations while ensuring high standards of food quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. This role leads kitchen team members, supports production planning, and ensures all prepared foods align with Mother’s Market recipes, wellness standards, and operational expectations. The Kitchen Manager serves as a leader and role model, creating a positive, organized, and efficient kitchen environment. The kitchen manager is responsible for producing consistent, visually appealing, and delicious prepared foods that meet standards for freshness, quality and presentation. Wage Range: $22-28/hour Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, & in-store discounts Key Responsibilities Oversee daily kitchen and prepared foods operationsLead, train, coach, and schedule kitchen team membersEnsure all food is prepared according to company recipes, standards, and quality expectationsMaintain strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulationsMonitor food production levels to meet sales demand and minimize wasteManage inventory, ordering, and cost control for kitchen supplies and ingredientsMaintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment at all timesCollaborate with store leadership to support overall store operationsPrepare a variety of hot bar ready dishes including proteins, vegetables, grains, and composed entréesCreate and execute scratch-made sauces, gravy’s, broths, and dressings to elevate hot bar offeringsFollow recipes and production plans while maintaining consistent flavor, quality, and portioningSet up, maintain, and refresh hot bar items to ensure peak presentation and food safetyMonitor food quality, temperature, and freshness throughout serviceCollaborate with kitchen staff on menu development, seasonal specials, and daily featuresFollow all company policies, safety procedures, and food-handling standardsPromote Mother’s Market values, including wellness, sustainability, and community Qualifications Previous kitchen or food service management experience required2+ year’s experience as a line cook or chef in high-volume kitchen, hot bar, or catering/buffet environment, culinary education is a plusStrong knowledge of sauce-making fundamentals (stocks, reductions, emulsions, gravies, plant-based sauces, etc.)Ability to execute batch cooking while maintaining high culinary standardsUnderstanding of seasoning, flavor balance, and presentationExperience with scratch cooking and fresh ingredients preferredKnowledge of food safety regulations and safe food-handling practicesStrong leadership, communication, and organizational skillsAbility to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 poundsFlexible availability, including weekends, evenings, and holidays Desired Traits Positive, hands-on leadership stylePassion for healthy food, wellness, and high-quality prepared foods and hospitalitySpeed with precision and consistencyOrganized, dependable, and detail-oriented and production mindedCreative but disciplined with recipes and systemsCalm and effective in a fast-paced kitchen environmentTeam-focused with strong problem-solving skillsAbility to maintain full, fresh visually appealing hot bar at all service timesAbility to create signature sauces and dishes that drive repeat customersAbility to execute consistently and have minimal wasteAbility to maintain clean organized kitchen and have strong food safety standards Benefits (may Vary By Position) Competitive payEmployee discount on Mother’s Market productsFlexible schedulingOpportunities for growth and advancementSupportive, mission-driven work environment Physical Requirements Standing, walking, bending, and repetitive motions throughout the shiftLifting, carrying, and pushing up to 50 lbs. Exposure to heat, cold, and kitchen equipment Why Work at Mother’s Market? Mission-driven company focused on health, wellness, and sustainabilitySupportive, team-oriented cultureOpportunities for growth and career developmentEmployee discounts on organic food and wellness products Equal Opportunity Employer Mother’s Market is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status