Kitchen Manager: Inside Jobs

The best Kitchen Manager can make the back of the house run as smooth as chocolate silk pudding. If you want to be that person, you’ll need to be sharp in more than just knife skills. As the name suggests, Kitchen Managers are responsible for managing every aspect of the kitchens that prepare food for hungry diners every night of the week.

This involves handling everything from labor management to vendor relations. As the Kitchen Manager, you oversee a staff of Waiters, Chefs, Dishwashers and other employees, training new ones when necessary and finding replacements if someone calls in sick. You calculate food costs and budget for the month’s menu accordingly. You also take inventory, check incoming food shipments for quality and make sure everything your restaurant serves is fresh and handled in a sanitary way.

Managing all of these elements is a juggling act, and you’ll need effective communication skills to make sure nothing drops. Not to mention that kitchens get hectic during peak hours, so you’ll need everything set before the rush sets in.

But despite your best plans, something will go wrong. So a cool head and ability to think on your feet is essential for when problems arise or messages get mixed. You will also use your speaking ability to motivate staff to push through the busy spells and finish the night’s cleanup in a timely fashion.

Because restaurants are busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, expect to be hard at work when your friends are out on the town. If your feet hurt, it’s not from dancing. It’s because your job keeps you on your toes. But know that your exciting profession beats a standard 9-to-5 any day.

Team Player: You're able to listen, communicate, and work with tons of different people.

Calm Under Pressure: You keep your cool when dealing with highly stressful situations.

Levelheaded: You hold your emotions in check, even in tough situations.

How much does a Kitchen Manager make?

Nationally: $20,000 – $48,000

Main education level: Certificate

source: US Dept of Labor

Become a Kitchen Manager

Kitchen Manager schools closest to Los Angeles, CA 90051 change location

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

Pasadena, CA — 9 miles — Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Art is an institution of higher learning for students who share a passion for the culinary and hospitality arts. We are dedicated to providing quality career education that integrates the classic culinary curriculum of Le Cordon Bleu with modern American technology...

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division

Online — As a student of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division, you will benefit from the same quality education and rich academic heritage established by the Art Institute of Pittsburgh almost 100 years ago. Unlike a degree from a ground school, the Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division...

The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles

Santa Monica, CA — 12 miles — The Art Institute of California — Los Angeles prepares students for entry-level positions in creative, challenging careers. Their students are creative, competitive, and open to new ideas. They place great value on an education that prepares them for a challenging career and a lifetime of personal...

The Art Institute of California—Orange County, a branch of The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles

Santa Ana, CA — 31 miles — Congratulations for considering an education in the creative arts with The Art Institute of California—Orange County, a branch of The Art Institute of California—Los Angeles. More than ever, it's an exciting time to be a designer, animator, chef, or media artist; and many will tell you that it's a...

The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire, a branch of The Art Institute of California—San Diego

San Bernardino, CA — 56 miles — The primary mission, focus, and ultimate goal of The Art Institute of California—Inland Empire, a branch of The Art Institute of California—San Diego, is to assist students toward the successful achievement of a satisfying career in their chosen field. To this end, they have brought together a dedicated...

The Art Institute of California—San Diego

San Diego, CA — 108 miles — With industry mentors, like-minded peers and a unique artistic spirit, The Art Institute of California — San Diego offers a nurturing environment where creative students can thrive. Located in the heart of San Diego's Mission Valley, The Art Institute of California - San Diego is ideally situated...

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Personality Traits

Salary and Education