ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kitchen Manager Jobs in Iowa, IA (NOW HIRING)

HomeGrown

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$10K/mo

Coordinate assignments of kitchen personnel to ensure economical use of food, timely preparation, and performance of all kitchen activities * Manage food cost and variance * Manage food inventory ...

HomeGrown

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$10K/mo

Coordinate assignments of kitchen personnel to ensure economical use of food, timely preparation, and performance of all kitchen activities * Manage food cost and variance * Manage food inventory ...

Nevada School District

Kitchen Manager / Lead Cook

Nevada, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Kitchen Manager / Lead Cook The Nevada Community School District is seeking a dedicated and dependable Kitchen Manager/Lead Cook to join our Food Service team. This position plays a vital role in ...

Liberty Street Kitchen

Kitchen Supervisor

Pella, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Liberty Street Kitchen is seeking a kitchen supervisor to help lead their great team! The right candidate will have the ability to work all stations, lead by example and communicate effectively in a ...

Liberty Street Kitchen

Kitchen Supervisor

Pella, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Liberty Street Kitchen is seeking a kitchen supervisor to help lead their great team! The right candidate will have the ability to work all stations, lead by example and communicate effectively in a ...

Chick-fil-A

Kitchen Director

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

You don't just manage a kitchen; you grow people. You will be responsible for hiring, training, and inspiring a world-class culinary team. * Strategic Impact: Partner with the Owner/Operator and the ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Manager JobsKitchen Manager Jobs in Iowa, IA

Kitchen Manager information

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 cities near Iowa, IA are hiring for Kitchen Manager jobs?

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

Kitchen Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Manager job openings in Iowa, IA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Kitchen Manager

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery
Hospitality Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Perkins Restaurant and Bakeryexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage back-of-house operations to ensure food quality, safety, and sanitation standards are met.

  • Assist in planning, analyzing, and managing restaurant staffing, training, and employee development.

  • Monitor and control inventory, food costs, and financial data to achieve profit and guest satisfaction goals.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

BE A PART OF OUR SUCCESS!
Benefits & Perks:
  • Educational Assistance with DeVry University with complimentary laptop**
  • Immediate Family Members are also eligible
  • Competitive Pay with Service Award Incentive
  • Get paid daily through Daily Pay!
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, and more!***
  • 401(k) retirement savings with company match
  • Flexible Schedule
  • All you can eat pancakes + meal discounts!
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Development Pathway: Step by step process to grow your career
  • 3 College Credits hours for completing manager training****

Founded in 1958, Perkins® operates 324 restaurants in 32 states and four Canadian provinces. The Perkins system includes 81 company-owned and operated restaurants and 234 franchised units. Throughout its history, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has remained true to its mission of providing guests with personalized service and delicious, homestyle food at a great value.
Perkins has experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place!
Position Description
As a Kitchen Manager, you will be responsible for managing the back-of-the house operations and achieving planned sales and profit levels for the restaurant through the implementation, management and enforcement of company policies, procedures, programs and performance standards. In addition, you will provide direction to back-of-house staff, ensuring execution of all employee duties to guarantee maximum guest satisfaction and a quality work environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Assists the General Manager in planning and analyzing administration and operations manpower.
  • Responsible for achieving plan profit levels while ensuring maximum guest satisfaction.
  • Assists in the planning and analysis of restaurant unit manpower, ensuring sufficient development and training of all employees, including subordinate managers
  • Assists General Manager in all aspects of employment and restaurant staffing including recruitment (interviewing and selecting), training, and conducting new hire orientation.
  • Attends University of Perkins and successfully completes all coursework.
  • Achieves and maintains ServSafe certification.
  • Performs and is able to assist in all functions for all positions in the restaurant.
  • Ensures that all menu items are prepared, portioned, and presented properly in a clean, safe, and sanitary manner according to all established procedures, performance standards, and specifications.
  • Ensures managers and all team members are monitoring and overseeing food temperatures during hot and cold handling to reduce the incidence of risk factors known to cause food-borne illness.
  • Ensures restaurant compliance to productivity and service standards by scheduling and staffing a sufficient number of well-trained and productive employees.
  • Ensures proper management of the facility and equipment through preventive maintenance, energy conservation, repairs, security measures, and adherence to safety and sanitation requirements.
  • Ensures inventory levels for both food and non-food items are properly maintained in accordance with company guidelines through correct ordering procedures and efficiency usage and yield application.
  • Ensures accurate financial data to include: restaurant supplies, inventories, food cost, payroll/productivity, and operating expenses.
  • Anticipates, identifies and corrects system breakdowns to achieve guest satisfaction.
  • Accountable for accurate financial data to include: payroll, cash and receipts, productivity food costs, security of funds, and operating expenses; prepares and reviews financial reports.
  • Attends scheduled restaurant and region team meetings; makes presentations to peers and management as requested.

Qualifications:
  • One to two years previous experience in a supervisory role; preferably in food production
  • High school diploma; some college or degree preferred
  • Must be able to communicate clearly with employees, vendors and guests
  • Must be able to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously

Physical Requirements / Environment / Work Conditions:
  • Extensive standing without breaks
  • Exposure to heat, steam, smoke, cold and odors
  • Bending, reaching, walking
  • Must be able to reach heights of approximately 6 feet and depths of 2.5 to 3 feet
  • Must have high level of mobility/flexibility in space provided
  • Must be able to fit through openings 30" wide
  • Must be able to work irregular hours under heavy pressure/stress during busy times
  • Must be able to carry trays of food products weighing 20 pounds for distances up to 30 feet
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds

Disclaimer
This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation. As such, the employee may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Founded in 1958, Perkins® operates 277 restaurants in 32 states and two Canadian provinces. The Perkins system includes 81 company-owned and operated restaurants and 196 franchised units. With its diverse, moderately priced menu featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bakery offerings, and its attractive and recently remodeled restaurants designed to facilitate efficiency and guest satisfaction, Perkins American Food Co. is a dining favorite with a solid and respected reputation in the marketplace.
The longevity and success of Perkins American Food Co. is largely attributed to the concept's ability to adapt to shifts in consumer dining trends and evolving taste preferences while delivering that homestyle goodness that guests crave. At Perkins, we're always updating our menu with fresh, flavorful and innovative items that take their place right alongside Perkins' iconic guest favorites, some of which have been on our menu for more than 30 years. We also take great pride in differentiating ourselves with the service and experience we provide. This has and continues to be a hallmark of our brand.
BE A PART OF OUR SUCCESS
Perkins has experienced years of success through ensuring 100% guest satisfaction on every visit. If you want to work and grow with a company who has a proven track record of success, has an unmatched commitment to their employees and employees the best in the industry, you are in the right place!

What Perkins Restaurant & Bakery employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply