PIT MASTER

Position Summary

The Pit Master is responsible for building and leading the end-to-end barbecue program at Horseshoe Bay Sporting Club. This role combines culinary leadership, operational ownership, and hands-on pit execution. The successful candidate will design, implement, and maintain a high-quality barbecue program, including equipment selection, menu development, sourcing, team leadership, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Operations

- Design and implement the full barbecue program, including smoker specification, kitchen layout, and workflow - Establish meat sourcing strategy, including vendor relationships, quality standards, and cost controls - Develop and manage daily production schedules, prep cycles, and service execution - Maintain consistent food quality and presentation standards

Menu Development

- Create and execute a cohesive barbecue menu including brisket, ribs, sides, and specialty items - Ensure high-quality standards across all menu items, including sides and accompaniments - Introduce seasonal offerings and continuously refine menu performance

Team Leadership & Training

- Recruit, hire, and develop kitchen and pit staff - Establish training programs and documented standard operating procedures - Foster a positive, respectful, and performance-driven team culture - Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards

Build-Out & Implementation (Year One Focus)

- Collaborate with leadership on smokehouse design and construction - Establish inventory systems, supplier processes, and operational workflows - Support pre-opening activities, including testing, training, and launch readiness - Partner with marketing on program identity and positioning

Qualifications

Required Experience

- Proven hands-on barbecue/pit experience in a high-quality environment - Experience operating smokers and managing long cook processes - Strong understanding of meat sourcing, preparation, and food quality standards - Experience leading teams in a kitchen or food production environment

Preferred Background

- Experience as Lead or #2 Pit Master at a recognized barbecue program - Experience building or launching a food or barbecue concept - Competition barbecue or specialty craft experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Strong leadership and team development skills - High attention to detail and commitment to quality - Ability to manage time-sensitive production processes - Strong problem-solving and operational decision-making capability - Passion for hospitality and guest experience

Working Conditions

- Full-time, on-site role - Requires early mornings, evenings, weekends, and long cook cycles - Physically demanding environment, including heat exposure and lifting

Compensation & Benefits

- Competitive base salary ($75,000 – $95,000) - Performance-based bonus program - Health insurance (company contribution) - 401(k) with employer match - Paid time off - Relocation assistance (where applicable) - Equipment and program investment support

Career Growth Opportunities

- Advancement to Named Pit Master with regional recognition - Potential progression to Director of Barbecue across multiple locations

Equal Opportunity Statement

Horseshoe Bay Sporting Club is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics.