ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kitchen Manager Jobs in Lockport, IL (NOW HIRING)

Smoque BBQ

Kitchen Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Smoque BBQ is hiring a Kitchen Prep Manager to run the morning prep operation at one of Chicago's most respected BBQ restaurants. This is a full-time, early-morning leadership role (typically 6am-2pm ...

New

Carrabba's Italian Grill

Kitchen Manager

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr (+ commission)

... management experience * Full Casual Dining or Casual Plus environment, preferred * Hands-on experience in both FOH and HOH * Previous exposure to a scratch kitchen, a plus * Availability to work a ...

Cooper's Hawk

Executive Kitchen Manager

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$84K - $100K/yr

As an Executive Kitchen Manager at Cooper's Hawk, you'll lead a fast-paced, high-volume scratch kitchen, driving the culinary execution of our uniquely inspired menu, thoughtfully paired with our ...

Cooper's Hawk

Executive Kitchen Manager

Montgomery, IL · On-site

$84K - $100K/yr

As an Executive Kitchen Manager at Cooper's Hawk, you'll lead a fast-paced, high-volume scratch kitchen, driving the culinary execution of our uniquely inspired menu, thoughtfully paired with our ...

DuPage County ROE

Central Kitchen Manager

Wheaton, IL

$23 - $27/hr

Marquardt School District 15 is accepting applications for a Central Kitchen Manager for our Food and Nutrition Services Department. Please see the attached description for more information and ...

The VIG

Assistant Kitchen Manager (Sous Chef)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description We are seeking a Motivated Assistant Kitchen Manager (for our upcoming new location)! Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for the restaurant industry? Do you thrive ...

The VIG

Assistant Kitchen Manager (Sous Chef)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description We are seeking a Motivated Assistant Kitchen Manager (for our upcoming new location)! Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for the restaurant industry? Do you thrive ...

Crisp & Green

Kitchen Crew

Naperville, IL · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

As a Kitchen Crew Member, you will work alongside our Kitchen Managers in preparing our top-of-the-line ingredients - from locally sourced veggies to organic proteins and produce. Your job is to give ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Kitchen Manager

Brookfield, IL · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Kitchen Manager Reports to: Food Service Operations Manager(s) and Executive Chef Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Manager JobsKitchen Manager Jobs in Lockport, IL

Kitchen Manager information

See Lockport, IL salary details

$22.6K

$51.9K

$75.2K

How much do kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for kitchen manager in Lockport, IL is $51,850.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,100.00 and $62,700.00 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 Lockport, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchen Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Manager job openings in Lockport, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,850 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Kitchen Manager

Smoque BBQ

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Smoque BBQ is hiring a Kitchen Prep Manager to run the morning prep operation at one of Chicago’s most respected BBQ restaurants. This is a full-time, early-morning leadership role (typically 6am–2pm, with occasional variation) responsible for overseeing all food prep that powers our high-volume lunch and dinner service.

This isn’t a culinary “create and innovate” role — it’s a get-it-done-right leadership role. You’ll be managing a team of prep cooks and dishwashers each morning to ensure all recipes are executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring smoker runs — getting meats in and out of the pits at the right times, with consistency and care.

Who This Role is For
  • You have real BOH production experience — not chasing chef titles, but confident managing production, process, and people
  • You’re highly organized, with strong time management skills
  • You lead from the floor, not from a clipboard. You jump in, train on the fly, and hold the line when it gets busy
  • You’re comfortable running a high-volume prep operation under pressure — not just “helping out"
  • You lead by example and get the best out of others
  • You take pride in doing things right, every single time
  • You don’t need the spotlight — but you are the one making sure the lights come on and the food’s ready
What You’ll Do
  • Lead the daily prep operation and morning BOH team (prep cooks + dishwasher)
  • Oversee execution of large-batch, recipe-driven prep — sauces, rubs, sides, etc.
  • Manage smoker timing — loading and unloading meats on schedule
  • Maintain prep timelines and task organization to ensure nothing falls behind
  • Monitor food quality and consistency throughout all stages of prep
  • Enforce food safety and sanitation procedures
  • Train, support, and hold your team accountable
  • Communicate with FOH and evening BOH staff to ensure smooth handoffs

  • Work side-by-side with your team on the prep line — this is a hands-on role, not supervisory-only

Requirements
  • 2–5 years of back-of-house experience in production management
  • Must have prior lead or supervisory experience in a BOH kitchen (line cook or server experience alone does not qualify)
  • Comfortable managing people and setting expectations
  • Familiarity with kitchen equipment and prep procedures
  • ServSafe Manager certification
  • Able to lift 50 pounds and stay on your feet for extended periods
  • Early riser with a flexible schedule (some earlier or later days may be needed)
  • English fluency required; Spanish fluency a plus
What We Offer
  • Consistent full-time schedule — primarily early mornings
  • Respectful, professional kitchen culture
  • Competitive pay and benefits
  • A leadership role with impact, stability, and zero fluff
  • The chance to be part of a team that takes BBQ — and each other — seriously
  • Competitive Salary, Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, Dining Discounts

Only apply if you’re ready for early mornings, high standards, and real leadership.
Serious candidates only.

 

More detail about Smoque BBQ part of Smoque, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/50999-Smoque-BBQ