Kitchen Manager - Nashville Riverboats

Ready to lead your own kitchen? This is an opportunity for an emerging culinary leader who wants ownership of an entire back-of-house operation while continuing to cook alongside their team. It's a hands-on operational leadership role where you'll develop the management, financial, administrative, and leadership skills needed to take the next step in your culinary career.

About Nashville Riverboats

Nashville Riverboats offers unforgettable sightseeing cruises, weddings, private events, corporate outings, brunch cruises, and evening dinner experiences aboard The Capitol on the Cumberland River. Our guests come for more than the views—they come for exceptional hospitality, memorable food, and an experience unlike anywhere else in Nashville. As our Kitchen Manager, you'll play a key role in making every cruise unforgettable.

What Makes This Role Different?

Unlike many restaurant kitchens, our culinary program is designed for operational excellence. During the day, you'll oversee efficient concession-style and short-line food service for sightseeing guests. In the evenings, you'll lead production and execution of our elevated buffet dinner cruises. While there is some opportunity to contribute ideas and improve execution, this role is focused on consistently delivering high-quality guest experiences through exceptional leadership, organization, and execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day back-of-house operations
• Coach, develop, and motivate the culinary team
• Work alongside your staff during service
• Manage scheduling, labor, and staffing needs
• Order products and manage inventory
• Control food cost, waste, and purchasing
• Maintain FIFO, food safety, sanitation, and quality standards
• Ensure every guest receives an exceptional dining experience
• Collaborate with front-of-house and marine operations to keep every cruise running smoothly
• Build systems that create consistency, accountability, and teamwork

Who We're Looking For

This role is ideal for:

• High-performing Sous Chefs ready for their first full kitchen leadership position
• Kitchen Supervisors looking for greater responsibility
• Newer Kitchen Managers wanting complete operational ownership
• Culinary leaders who enjoy mentoring teams while staying hands-on

You'll be successful if you:

• Thrive in fast-paced service
• Lead by example
• Stay calm under pressure
• Hold yourself and your team to high standards
• Love developing people
• Enjoy solving operational challenges
• Want to continue growing your leadership skills

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a culinary leadership role preferred (Lead Line Cook, Sous Chef, Assistant Kitchen Supervisor, or Assistant Kitchen Manager)
• Experience in high-volume food service
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Knowledge of food cost, inventory, and scheduling
• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Comfortable working aboard a moving vessel in a compact galley environment

Growth Opportunity

This isn't just a Kitchen Manager job. Manthey Hospitality is investing in the future of Nashville Riverboats. A second vessel is expected to join our fleet in late 2026/early 2027, creating additional leadership opportunities for high performers. As our operation grows, so will opportunities for advancement, increased responsibility, and expanded culinary leadership.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Health, Dental & Vision Benefits
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Paid Time Off
• Free Parking
• Employee Discounts & Complimentary Cruises
• Career Growth & Leadership Development
• Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing hospitality operation