Kitchen Manager/Head Chef

OVERALL This critical position will lead the Alvarado Street Brewery & Taproom culinary team. You are responsible for ensuring the highest quality preparation and presentation of casual cuisine for Alvarado Street Brewery & Taproom. This is a full time salaried exempt position reporting to our Director of Restaurants. .EVERYDAY ESSENTIAL TASKSOversee the activities of kitchen staff with an awareness of quality and costs.Direct the efficient running of kitchen operationsPlans and manages the procurement, production, preparation, and presentation of all food in a safe, sanitary, and cost-effective mannerInventorying, ordering, receipt and accounting of food and supplies - produce, meat fish, dairy goods, dry goods In collaboration with the Director of Restaurants, implement new menu items according to recipes and plating guides.Manages employees during the shift and ensures appropriate professional standards of behavior, work standards, productivity, practices, and guest service are adhered toTrain all kitchen staff in their individual duties, required knowledge and skills.Oversees the human resources efforts in the kitchen to attract, retain, and motivate staff while providing a safe environment: hire, train, develop, empower, coach, counsel, conduct performance reviews, conflict/problem resolution, provide open communication and discipline as appropriate.Control labor costs, waste, and spoilage through constant attention to detail.Preparation of staff schedules and payroll.Edit time records and review them daily for accuracy and completeness.Orientation and training of new staff.Daily staff check-ins and weekly kitchen staff meetings.Communication with management at other locations as required.Other various tasks as assignedComply with all Company safety and health policies and proceduresSKILLS & EXPERIENCE3+ years culinary management experience focused on high volume operations and large staffProven ability to meet deadlines in a dynamic environmentAbility to hold accountable a team in a compassionate fair, and consistent mannerTakes responsibility, inspires and leads with integrityFlexibility and the ability to make on the spot decisionsAbility to provide superior guest experiences in demanding situationsTakes initiative, detail oriented with awareness of the larger pictureLead staff by delegating, empowering, positive attitudeStrong communication skills, with an emphasis on listening, empathy and common senseAbility to understand, audit and correct time records, labor, budget and inventory reportsFood handler certificationAbility and desire to work in a fast-paced environment with a growing companyPassion for beer, enthusiastic about the process and a desire to learnBilingual in English and Spanish preferredPHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTSAble to stand, walk, and be on your feet for prolonged periodsAble to maneuver on uneven groundAble to read and follow written English instructionsAble to regularly twist, turn, kneel, climb, stoop, bend, and occasionally crawlLift and carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 50+ pounds using appropriate techniques and toolsAble to safely navigate crowded spacesOperate food preparation appliances and machineryAble to tolerate exposure to extreme changes in temperatureAble perform daily repetitive hand movements as it pertains to food preparationAble to maneuver packages of any weight above 75 pounds with appropriate equipment and/or assistanceAble to move 165-pounds, using appropriate techniques and toolsAble to work in a factory/production environment which may be loud, slick, humid, cold, and hotAble to work in indoor and outdoor environments with moderate noise and occasionally slippery floorsAble to comply with and enforce all health, safety, and personal hygiene policies and standards.PERKS & BENEFITSMedical, dental, and vision insurance401k retirement plan with Company matchPaid time offDiscounts on food and beverage at our Monterey, Carmel, and Salinas locations.ABOUT ALVARADO STREET BREWERY Alvarado Street Brewery was founded by father-son duo John and J.C. Hill in March of 2014. What started as a neighborhood brewery restaurant in Downtown Monterey has evolved into four locations dedicated to serving Monterey county's locals and visitors alike. Our production brewery & tasting room opened in the Spreckels Junction area of Salinas in 2016. In early 2018 we opened our R&D pilot brewery and bistro in Carmel-by-the-Sea, known as the "Stro". Most recently in November of 2022, we opened Alvarado Street Brewery & Taproom, an art deco styled restaurant and bar in the center of Oldtown Salinas.We are committed first and foremost to the community we serve. Beer is a common thread that brings people together of all backgrounds and walks of life, and we welcome everyone through our doors. As an employer, we strive to ensure an equitable working environment that's centered on inclusion and diversity. As a community partner, we engage with local nonprofits and environmentally focused organizations to be a great steward of the beautiful area we call home.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAlvarado Street Brewery & Bistro provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, creed, gender, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, citizenship, pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, military or veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, gender transitioning/transitioned, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.

Created: 2026-04-02