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Kitchen Director Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Kitchen Director information

What is a kitchen director?

A Kitchen Director is a professional responsible for overseeing the overall operations of a kitchen, typically in a restaurant, hotel, or catering facility. Their duties include managing kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety standards, creating menus, ordering supplies, and controlling costs. Kitchen Directors play a crucial role in maintaining efficient kitchen workflows, upholding health and safety regulations, and delivering a high-quality dining experience to customers.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a kitchen director?

To thrive as a Kitchen Director, you need strong culinary expertise, leadership experience, and a background in food safety, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with inventory management systems, scheduling software, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, clear communication, and the ability to motivate teams are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient kitchen operations, high food quality, and a positive work environment, all of which are essential for customer satisfaction and business success.

What challenges does a kitchen director face in managing a large kitchen staff?

A Kitchen Director often encounters challenges such as balancing efficient workflow with high food quality, managing labor schedules to meet varying demand, and fostering clear communication among staff from diverse backgrounds. Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations while maintaining a positive team environment can also be demanding, especially during peak service hours. Proactive leadership, regular staff training, and effective delegation are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Kitchen Director vs Kitchen Manager?

AspectKitchen DirectorKitchen Manager
CredentialsOften requires culinary degree or extensive experienceTypically requires culinary certification or related experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple kitchens or large food service operationsManages daily operations of a single kitchen or restaurant
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, staff management, budgeting, and high-level oversightSupervises kitchen staff, ensures food quality, manages schedules

The Kitchen Director generally holds a higher-level, strategic role overseeing multiple kitchens or large operations, requiring broader experience and credentials. The Kitchen Manager focuses on daily kitchen operations, staff supervision, and food quality within a single location. Both roles are essential in food service but differ mainly in scope and responsibility.

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

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Kitchen Director jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Kitchen Director job openings:

Kitchen Steward (Olive & Finch - DIA)

Olive and Finch

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Description - Kitchen Steward (DEN Airport)
Job Title: Kitchen Steward - DEN Airport
Reports to: General Manager / Kitchen Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time / Non-Exempt
Eligible for Tips:
Security Clearance: Must pass a federal background check and fingerprinting to obtain a Denver International Airport (DEN) security badge.
About Olive & Finch Collective
Olive & Finch Collective is a Denver-based hospitality group committed to fresh, chef-driven meals, exceptional guest experiences, and a people-first culture. Since opening in 2013, our growing portfolio now includes restaurants, neighborhood cafรฉs, a full-service bakeshop, a robust catering and events division, retail and grab-and-go operations, and multiple locations at Denver International Airport. At Olive & Finch, we believe in inclusive leadership, sustainable growth, and nourishing both our guests and our teams.
Position Summary
The Kitchen Steward at our Denver International Airport (DEN) locations is the backbone of our back-of-house (BOH) operations. This role is essential for maintaining a safe, sanitary, and highly efficient kitchen environment in a fast-paced travel hub. The ideal candidate takes pride in cleanliness, handles high volumes of dishwashing with speed and care, assists with light food preparation, and ensures our culinary team is fully stocked and supported.
Key Responsibilities
Dishwashing & Sanitation
  • Dish Station Management: Wash, rinse, and sanitize all plates, utensils, glassware, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment quickly and efficiently.
  • Storage & Organization: Properly dry and return clean dishes, cookware, and service items to their designated storage areas.
  • Chemical Safety: Safely operate and maintain the commercial dishwasher, checking and documenting chemical and temperature levels as required.

Kitchen Cleanliness & Trash Removal
  • Facility Upkeep: Sweep and mop kitchen floors, wipe down stainless steel work surfaces, and keep all walk-ins, freezers, and storage areas clean and organized.
  • Waste Disposal: Empty kitchen trash cans, recycling bins, and compost regularly throughout the shift, transporting garbage to designated airport disposal areas safely.
  • Deep Cleaning: Execute daily, weekly, and monthly deep-cleaning tasks for kitchen equipment, hoods, walls, and vents.

Light Prep Work & Stocking
  • Culinary Support: Assist the line cooks and kitchen leadership with basic, light food preparation tasks (e.g., washing produce, peeling vegetables, assembling simple items) as directed.
  • Inventory Stocking: Help receive, unpack, and properly store incoming food, beverage, and chemical deliveries, adhering to FIFO (First In, First Out) standards.
  • Line Support: Monitor the kitchen lines to ensure cooks have the clean tools, pans, and equipment they need to keep service moving smoothly.

Safety & Compliance
  • Sanitation Procedures: Strictly follow all local health department regulations and airport-specific safety, health, and food sanitation procedures.
  • Hazard Awareness: Maintain a dry, slip-free kitchen floor by immediately cleaning up spills and utilizing "wet floor" caution signs.
Qualifications
  • Airport Badging: Must be able to successfully pass the required federal background screening and fingerprinting process mandated by Denver International Airport to secure an airport badge.
  • Previous dishwashing, kitchen steward, or restaurant back-of-house experience is preferred but not required.
  • Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced kitchen environment and handle multiple physical tasks under pressure.
  • Strong teamwork, communication skills, and a positive attitude.
  • Availability: Schedule flexibility to work weekends, evenings, early mornings, and holidays as needed to align with airport flight schedules.
Physical Requirements
  • This is a highly physical, hands-on position requiring extended periods of standing, walking, and moving quickly in a hot, humid kitchen environment.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, and safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs (such as heavy trash bags, chemical buckets, or food crates).
  • Frequent exposure to water, steam, and commercial cleaning chemicals.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Hourly pay
  • PTO, Sick Pay (Up to 6 days) & Holiday Pay
  • Meal discounts, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for advancement within a growing company.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision and IRA (eligible for full-time equivalent employees)

EEO & At-Will Statement Olive & Finch Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Olive & Finch is at-will, meaning either the employee or the company may terminate employment at any time, with or without notice or cause. This job description is not an employment contract and may be updated as business needs evolve.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.
Must be able to pass a federal background check.