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Chef Kitchen Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chef/Kitchen Manager

Laguna Hills, CA ยท On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Paid time off Chef / Kitchen Manager - New Modern Mexican Concept (Laguna Hills, CA) Position: Chef / Kitchen Manager Location: Laguna Hills, CA Employment Type: Full-Time We're a new, modern Mexican ...

Chef/Kitchen Manager

Laguna Hills, CA ยท On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Chef / Kitchen Manager - New Modern Mexican Concept (Laguna Hills, CA) Position: Chef / Kitchen Manager Location: Laguna Hills, CA Employment Type: Full-Time We're a new, modern Mexican restaurant ...

Chef/Kitchen Manager

Laguna Hills, CA ยท On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Chef / Kitchen Manager - New Modern Mexican Concept (Laguna Hills, CA) Position: Chef / Kitchen Manager Location: Laguna Hills, CA Employment Type: Full-Time We're a new, modern Mexican restaurant ...

Kitchen Manager

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$33.65 - $38.46/hr

Kitchen Manager / Chef Employment type: Full-time, salaried Compensation: $70,000-$80,000/year, DOE Ain't Normal is looking for a Kitchen Manager / Chef to lead our kitchen. You'll own menu execution ...

Kitchen Manager

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Kitchen Manager / Chef Employment type: Full-time, salaried Compensation: $70,000-$80,000/year, DOE Ain't Normal is looking for a Kitchen Manager / Chef to lead our kitchen. You'll own menu execution ...

Executive Kitchen Manager

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Description The Executive Kitchen Manager or as we call them, the Chef de Cuisine (CDC), at goop kitchen will be responsible for overseeing the daily culinary operations of the kitchen, ensuring the ...

Executive Kitchen Manager

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Executive Kitchen Manager or as we call them, the Chef de Cuisine (CDC), at goop kitchen will be responsible for overseeing the daily culinary operations of the kitchen, ensuring the preparation ...

Executive Kitchen Manager

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Executive Kitchen Manager or as we call them, the Chef de Cuisine (CDC), at goop kitchen will be responsible for overseeing the daily culinary operations of the kitchen, ensuring the preparation ...

Executive Kitchen Manager

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Executive Kitchen Manager or as we call them, the Chef de Cuisine (CDC), at goop kitchen will be responsible for overseeing the daily culinary operations of the kitchen, ensuring the preparation ...

Executive Kitchen Manager

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Executive Kitchen Manager or as we call them, the Chef de Cuisine (CDC), at goop kitchen will be responsible for overseeing the daily culinary operations of the kitchen, ensuring the preparation ...

Description The Executive Kitchen Manager or as we call them, the Chef de Cuisine (CDC), at goop kitchen will be responsible for overseeing the daily culinary operations of the kitchen, ensuring the ...

Sous Chef

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Strong kitchen and dining room experience with attention to the details of our authentic Italian cuisine, recipes and execution is required. 2 years prior experience as Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager or ...

Sous Chef

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Strong kitchen and dining room experience with attention to the details of our authentic Italian cuisine, recipes and execution is required.2 years prior experience as Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager or ...

Kitchen Manager / Chef

Ojai, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

We are opening in OJAI and we are looking for an amazing Kitchen Manager/Chef to work directly with Our executive chef Kat Turner to execute our existing menu and bring creativity to this location ...

Kitchen Manager / Chef

Ojai, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

We are opening in OJAI and we are looking for an amazing Kitchen Manager/Chef to work directly with Our executive chef Kat Turner to execute our existing menu and bring creativity to this location ...

Kitchen Manager / Chef

Ojai, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

We are opening in OJAI and we are looking for an amazing Kitchen Manager/Chef to work directly with Our executive chef Kat Turner to execute our existing menu and bring creativity to this location ...

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Chef Kitchen Manager information

What does a Chef Kitchen Manager do?

A Chef Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a restaurant kitchen. They manage kitchen staff, plan menus, ensure food quality and safety standards are met, and handle inventory and budgeting. This role combines culinary expertise with management duties, ensuring smooth kitchen processes and excellent food service. Chef Kitchen Managers also play a key role in training staff and maintaining a clean, organized work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chef Kitchen Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef Kitchen Manager, you need strong culinary expertise, leadership skills, and experience in kitchen operations management, often backed by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with inventory management systems, food safety protocols, and scheduling software is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and the ability to motivate and train staff are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, high food quality, and a positive work environment, which are crucial for restaurant success.

What are some common challenges a Chef Kitchen Manager faces when balancing culinary creativity with operational efficiency?

Chef Kitchen Managers often find it challenging to balance their passion for innovative cuisine with the need to maintain cost control, inventory accuracy, and consistent food quality. While they have the opportunity to develop new menu items and inspire their team, they must also ensure that production stays on schedule, labor costs are managed, and health and safety standards are met. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication with both kitchen staff and management to meet business goals while delivering a memorable dining experience.

What is the difference between Chef Kitchen Manager vs Sous Chef?

AspectChef Kitchen ManagerSous Chef
Primary RoleOversees kitchen operations, manages staff, ensures quality and safety standardsAssists head chef, supervises kitchen staff, prepares dishes
CredentialsOften requires culinary degree and management experienceTypically culinary training or experience, less focus on management
Work EnvironmentKitchen management, administrative tasks, staff coordinationKitchen, food preparation, direct supervision of cooks
Industry UsageUsed in restaurants, hotels, catering servicesCommonly found in similar settings, often reporting to Chef or Kitchen Manager

The Chef Kitchen Manager focuses on overseeing the entire kitchen operation, including staff management and quality control, while the Sous Chef primarily assists the head chef with food preparation and kitchen supervision. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Kitchen Manager emphasizes leadership and administrative duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef Kitchen jobs in California?

The most popular types of Chef Kitchen jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Chef Kitchen Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chef Kitchen Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef Kitchen Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution.

Chef/Kitchen Manager

Laguna Hills, CA โ€ข On-site

Scratch Bakery Cafe
Restaurantsย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Employee discounts
  • Paid time off

Chef / Kitchen Manager – New Modern Mexican Concept (Laguna Hills, CA)
Position: Chef / Kitchen Manager
Location: Laguna Hills, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
We’re a new, modern Mexican restaurant concept bringing authentic street food with a contemporary twist to Orange County. As our Chef/Kitchen Manager, you’ll collaborate with ownership to develop and execute a fresh, innovative menu while leading all aspects of kitchen operations.
Key Responsibilities:
· Develop and finalize menu in collaboration with ownership
· Manage all kitchen operations, including prep, quality control, ordering, and scheduling
· Hire, train, and lead kitchen staff
· Maintain compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
· Manage food and labor costs effectively
Qualifications:
· Minimum 2 years of kitchen management experience in a high-volume fast casual or QSR environment
· Strong background in Mexican cuisine
· ServSafe certified and bilingual (English/Spanish)
· Proven leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Benefits:
· Competitive salary based on experience
· Performance bonuses
· Free meals during shifts
· 1 week paid vacation after 1 year
· Exciting growth opportunity with plans for future expansion
Salary dependent upon experience. Will be discussed during interview.
To apply, please email your resume and short introduction to mexicanrestaurantjobs@gmail.com. Subject line: Chef/Kitchen Manager – Laguna Hills Address to: Hiring Manager