1

Kitchen Manager Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Manager | Houlihan's - Champaign, IL This role is about more than running a kitchen. It's about leading a high-performing back-of-house team, executing consistently at volume, and delivering ...

Kitchen Manager | Houlihan's - Champaign, IL This role is about more than running a kitchen. It's about leading a high-performing back-of-house team, executing consistently at volume, and delivering ...

Kitchen Manager

Champaign, IL · On-site

$5.2K/mo

As a Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervising and overseeing the production and preparation of food in a manner consistent with established recipes and procedures * In ...

As a Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervising and overseeing the production and preparation of food in a manner consistent with established recipes and procedures * In ...

Kitchen Manager

Champaign, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Our kitchen leaders are: * Experts at engaging team members, setting goals, providing excellent ... Looking to take on more responsibility in a business and learn about restaurant management

Our kitchen leaders are: * Experts at engaging team members, setting goals, providing excellent ... Looking to take on more responsibility in a business and learn about restaurant management

DESCRIPTION SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES 1. Manages Restaurant Environment * Ensures prompt ... Must be physically able to work at any duty station in the kitchen or service area when needed on a ...

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES 1. Manages Restaurant Environment * Ensures prompt friendly service ... Must be physically able to work at any duty station in the kitchen or service area when needed on a ...

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES 1. Manages Restaurant Environment * Ensures prompt friendly service according to company guidelines. * Directs overall activities and performance of associates on a ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Kitchen Assistant

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Kitchen Assistants support the culinary team by preparing and executing food as directed by the ... Communicate regularly with management via calls, emails, and texts. Please note this is not ...

Kitchen Assistant

Urbana, IL · On-site

$16.81 - $23.54/hr

Kitchen Assistant (Full-Time) Cunningham Children's Home in Urbana, IL-an organization dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment where young people can learn, heal, and grow-is seeking ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Kitchen Manager information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$22.5K

$51.8K

$75.1K

How much do kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for kitchen manager in Champaign, IL is $51,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $62,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Champaign, IL?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Manager jobs in Champaign, IL?

For Kitchen Manager jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Kitchen Manager jobs in Champaign, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Kitchen Manager jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Kitchen Manager jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Kitchen Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Kitchen Manager job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,426 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Kitchen Manager

Houlihan's Bar & Grill

Champaign, IL

$40K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Kitchen Manager | Houlihan’s – Champaign, IL

This role is about more than running a kitchen. It’s about leading a high-performing back-of-house team, executing consistently at volume, and delivering a food experience that meets Houlihan’s standards every shift.

We’re looking for a Kitchen Manager who can lead people, manage operations, and maintain quality without stepping away from the line.

What You’ll Do
  • Lead, coach, and develop back-of-house team members, including line cooks, prep cooks, and dish staff
  • Oversee daily kitchen operations including opening/closing procedures and shift execution
  • Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, and adherence to recipes and standards
  • Manage inventory, ordering, and product usage to control food cost and minimize waste
  • Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
  • Monitor staffing levels, scheduling, and labor performance to meet business needs
  • Support the line during peak service and ensure efficient ticket times
  • Partner with front-of-house leadership to ensure a seamless guest experience
  • Address equipment, maintenance, and operational issues proactively
  • Uphold cleanliness, organization, and safety standards across all kitchen areas
What You Bring
  • Minimum of 2–3 years of kitchen leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant
  • Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to hold team members accountable
  • Solid understanding of food safety standards (ServSafe preferred)
  • Experience managing inventory, ordering, and cost controls
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
  • High attention to detail, organization, and consistency
  • Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and peak business periods
What You Get
  • Competitive salary and bonus potential
  • Health benefits, 401(k), and paid time off for eligible employees
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization
Additional Information
  • Pay will be discussed during the hiring process and based on experience and qualifications
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods and perform physical job duties
  • Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law
  • Houlihan’s is an equal opportunity employer

Houlihan’s Restaurant + Bar features a vibrant atmosphere and irresistible American cuisine. Located directly south of the State Farm Center and on the main floor of the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center, this contemporary restaurant in Champaign includes an energetic dining room, bustling bar, and cozy outdoor patio to dine al fresco during warmer weather.
Offering delicious appetizers, exceptional entrées, and decadent desserts, our diverse selections are exclusively prepared from scratch using the highest quality ingredients to satisfy your cravings.