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Kitchen Manager Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Bickford Senior Living

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$16.50/hr

The Cook supports the Kitchen Manager and prepares food to serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of benefits ...

Bickford Senior Living

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

The Cook supports the Kitchen Manager and prepares food to serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of benefits ...

Bickford of Ames

Cook

Ames, IA

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

The Cook supports the Kitchen Manager and prepares food to serve our residents in our restaurant-style dining experience called the "Bread Basket." This position offers a full suite of benefits ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (Indeed Event)

Ames, IA

$13.75 - $17/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... Opportunities for growth into management positions * Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (Indeed Event)

Ames, IA

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... Opportunities for growth into management positions * Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (P1-1375091-0)

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... Opportunities for growth into management positions * Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (P1-1375093-1)

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... Opportunities for growth into management positions * Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team (P1-1375090-0)

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

Join us as a Kitchen Team Associate We're looking for friendly team players to cook delicious food ... Opportunities for growth into management positions * Pre-Tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending ...

GATEWAY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

Prep Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Cook menu items in accordance to the recipes and the direction of the kitchen management team. Maintain an organized, clean, & sanitary work area. Follow the "clean as you go" philosophy. Ensure all ...

GATEWAY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

Prep Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Cook menu items in accordance to the recipes and the direction of the kitchen management team. * Maintain an organized, clean, & sanitary work area. Follow the "clean as you go" philosophy. * Ensure ...

Gateway Hotel and Conference Center

Prep Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

... kitchen management team. • Maintain an organized, clean, & sanitary work area. Follow the "clean as you go" philosophy. • Ensure all products are properly labeled, dated and rotated (FIFO) in ...

Perkins

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$15/hr

In addition, you will perform all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and a quality work environment as directed Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty. Responsibilities: * Reports to work well groomed ...

Perkins

Cook

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

In addition, you will perform all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and a quality work environment as directed Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty. Responsibilities: * Reports to work well groomed ...

Perkins

Cook - Night Shift

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

In addition, you will perform all duties to maximize guest satisfaction and a quality work environment as directed Kitchen Manager or Manager on Duty. Responsibilities: * Reports to work well groomed ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Manager JobsKitchen Manager Jobs in Ames, IA

Kitchen Manager information

See Ames, IA salary details

$18.6K

$42.8K

$62.1K

How much do kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for kitchen manager in Ames, IA is $42,811.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,300.00 and $51,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a kitchen manager do?

A Kitchen Manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant kitchen, ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and to the establishment’s standards. They manage kitchen staff, coordinate food orders, maintain inventory, and uphold health and safety regulations. Kitchen Managers also handle scheduling, training, and may assist in menu planning and budgeting. Their role is crucial in maintaining a smooth workflow and high-quality food service.

What does a kitchen manager do?

A kitchen manager oversees the food prep and service in the kitchen of a restaurant or food service area. As a kitchen manager, your responsibilities may include hiring and training new employees, managing food inventory, ordering goods and supplies, budgeting, and menu development. Other duties include answering customers’ questions and concerns, maintaining vendor relationships, and ensuring that food prepared by the kitchen staff is of excellent quality. You also may manage schedules and handle administrative duties, such as filling out reports for the manager, along with monitoring food safety compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kitchen Manager, you need a solid background in culinary techniques, food safety, inventory management, and team leadership, often supported by experience or a relevant culinary degree. Familiarity with kitchen management software, HACCP certifications, and point-of-sale (POS) systems is typically required. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help you motivate staff and maintain efficiency under pressure. These skills and qualities ensure smooth kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and compliance with health regulations.

What are some common challenges kitchen managers face when leading a team, and how can they effectively address them?

Kitchen Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality, managing diverse personalities within the kitchen staff, and handling high-pressure situations during peak service times. Effective communication, clear delegation of tasks, and setting clear expectations are key strategies to address these issues. Additionally, fostering a collaborative team environment and providing ongoing training can help reduce turnover and create a more efficient kitchen operation.

What is the difference between Kitchen Manager vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen ManagerLine Cook
CredentialsFood safety certifications, management experienceBasic culinary training, on-the-job experience
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing entire kitchen operationsFocused on preparing specific dishes on the line
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, cafes, fast food outlets
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership and management dutiesCompared for culinary skills and execution

The main difference between a Kitchen Manager and a Line Cook is that the Kitchen Manager oversees the entire kitchen operation, including staff management, inventory, and safety, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes during service. Kitchen Managers require management experience and certifications, whereas Line Cooks primarily need culinary skills and experience. Both roles are essential in restaurant settings but serve different functions within the kitchen hierarchy.

How much do kitchen managers earn?

Kitchen managers typically earn an average salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. They often oversee staff, manage inventory, and ensure food quality, requiring strong leadership and organizational skills.
More about Kitchen Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Ames, IA are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Manager jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Manager jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Kitchen Manager jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Kitchen Manager job openings:

Kitchen Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Manager job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,595 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Chick-fil-A Iowa State Memorial Union - Kitchen Leader

Chick-fil-A

Ames, IA

$16 - $17/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Chick-fil-A rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 7,705 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 108 rated fast food restaurants

Job description

Kitchen Leader

Chick-fil-A at Iowa State Memorial Union | Ames, IA

Opening Fall 2026

Be part of the founding team.

We're opening a new Chick-fil-A location in the Memorial Union this fall, and we're looking for leaders who want to help build something from the ground up — not just manage shifts, but create a culture where team members thrive and every meal meets the standard our guests expect.

If you're ready to step into leadership, shape how a team works together, and be remembered as one of the people who opened this location — keep reading.

What you'll do:

As a Kitchen Leader, you'll lead Back of House shifts, coach team members in the moment, train new hires, and maintain food safety and quality standards with precision and care. You'll open and close the restaurant, manage ordering and food cost, and set the tone for how your team shows up every day. You'll also represent the Chick-fil-A brand on campus and build good relationships with the Iowa State community.

This isn't a standalone restaurant — it's a food court in the heart of campus. The pace is fast, the menu is focused, and your job is to make sure every shift runs smoothly, every meal is prepared right, and every team member feels supported and capable.

What we're looking for:

  • A can-do attitude, strong work ethic, and genuine care for people (leadership experience is preferred but not required)
  • Availability Monday–Friday, with shifts between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM (we're open 10:30 AM–8:00 PM, but opening and closing extend those hours); Saturday availability as needed.
  • Someone who lives on campus or is very familiar with the Memorial Union
  • A leader who coaches in the moment, stays calm under pressure, and takes pride in developing others

What we offer:

  • Competitive pay based on experience, starting at $16/hour
  • One free meal per shift, plus 50% off everything else
  • Flexible scheduling that works around your classes and exams
  • Tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities
  • Real leadership development and mentorship from experienced Directors

Ready to lead with us?

Apply now and be part of the team that opens Chick-fil-A at Iowa State.

Working at a Chick-fil-A® restaurant is more than a job – it’s an opportunity for teamwork and leadership development in a positive, people-focused environment. Most Chick-fil-A restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent, franchised Operators who invest in the future of their Team Members and give back to their communities.

What Chick-fil-A employees say

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Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Chick-fil-A

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Chick-fil-A, based in Atlanta, GA, US, is a well-known company in the quick-service restaurant industry. The company's official website is chick-fil-a.com. Chick-fil-A specializes in freshly prepared chicken sandwiches and other delicious chicken meals. It was founded by Truett Cathy in 1946, initially as a diner named 'The Dwarf Grill'. In 1967, the first Chick-fil-A restaurant was established. Today, Chick-fil-A operates more than 2,400 restaurants across the U.S. The core values of the company include integrity, excellence, continuous improvement, and caring. The mission of Chick-fil-A is to "Be America's best quick-service restaurant." The company prides itself on providing high-quality food and service, fostering a positive dining experience, and giving back to the communities they serve. Notable achievements include pioneering in-mall fast food and introducing the original boneless chicken sandwich.

Industry

Restaurants, food services and drinking places and traveler accommodation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Social media

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