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Kitchen Manager Jobs in Norwalk, IA (NOW HIRING)

Dave & Buster's

Kitchen Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

THE KITCHEN MANAGER: the HEART of our operations. As the leaders of the kitchen, KMs are the culinary experts who keep our kitchens in pristine operating conditions. You get to select and motivate an ...

Dave & Buster's, Inc.

Kitchen Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

THE KITCHEN MANAGER: the HEART of our operations. As the leaders of the kitchen, KMs are the culinary experts who keep our kitchens in pristine operating conditions. You get to select and motivate an ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Kitchen Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

GAME TIME ENERGY, LIFETIME EXPERIENCE You will create legendary experiences for guests and team members through the management of the Heart-of-House (HOH) as the Kitchen Manager. You will oversee the ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Kitchen Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

GAME TIME ENERGY, LIFETIME EXPERIENCE You will create legendary experiences for guests and team members through the management of the Heart-of-House (HOH) as the Kitchen Manager. You will oversee the ...

Buffalo Wild Wings

Kitchen Manager

Ankeny, IA · On-site

GAME TIME ENERGY, LIFETIME EXPERIENCE You will create legendary experiences for guests and team members through the management of the Heart-of-House (HOH) as the Kitchen Manager. You will oversee the ...

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 ...

Hirebridge

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

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 ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Manager JobsKitchen Manager Jobs in Norwalk, IA

Kitchen Manager information

See Norwalk, IA salary details

$21.1K

$48.4K

$70.2K

How much do kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for kitchen manager in Norwalk, IA is $48,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $58,500.00 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 Norwalk, IA?

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

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

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

Kitchen Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Manager job openings in Norwalk, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,397 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Kitchen Manager

Dave & Buster's

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Dave & Buster's rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 255 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

53rd of 89 rated restaurants

Job description

Job Description:

THE KITCHEN MANAGER: the HEART of our operations. As the leaders of the kitchen, KMs are the culinary experts who keep our kitchens in pristine operating conditions. You get to select and motivate an elite group of back-of-house employees and manage the costs to ensure the overall financial success of the location.

What we are looking for!

  • You love working in a fast-paced,multi-faceted restaurant/entertainment scene
  • You can communicate to your team in a way that inspires FUN!
  • There isn't a station you cannot work and a team you cannot lead
  • You can handle 100K days & working an average of 50-hour work weeks
  • You enjoy new menu rollouts and love introducing new food items to our guests
  • You thrive on instant satisfaction! There's nothing better than improving someone's experience or encouraging your team to elevate their performance

Requirements:

  • 21+ years of age
  • 3+ years of Restaurant/Hospitality experience
  • Proficient in managing the cost of goods sold and labor
  • Ability to lead a team to create a memorable guest experience
  • Proven experience in kitchen management
  • Strong business acumen
  • The ability to work weekends, nights, and holidays
  • Not afraid to work in a fast-paced, noisy environment with distracting conditions

What will you be doing daily?

  • You are the head coach of a talented group of BOH employees, and you are responsible for hiring, training, developing, and retaining the best team possible
  • Create a well-maintained, safe, secure, and sanitary environment for all guests and staff
  • Managing food costs, tracking waste, and controlling kitchen labor costs
  • Understanding, managing, and practicing safe food-handling procedures
  • Collaborate with the rest of the management team to drive financial results and optimize profitability in your location

PERKS!

  • Competitive salary
  • Quarterly bonus program
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Long & Short-term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Buster's Legacy Fund (Supports team members during difficult times)
  • 401K matching plan
  • FREE food
  • FREE gameplay
  • Large leadership team = multiple managers per shift
  • FUN work environment
  • Grow your career!
    • Two FUN brands (Dave & Buster's and Main Event Entertainment) under one roof = Double the growth opportunities

Dave & Buster's Inc./Main Event Entertainment is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Salary Range:

63527

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74738

We are an equal opportunity employer and participate in E-Verify in states where required.

What Dave & Buster's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Dave & Buster's logo

About Dave & Buster's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Dave & Buster's, based in Coppell, Texas, US, is a nationally renowned entity in the hospitality and events industry with a primary focus on providing a unique entertainment and dining experience. The company's official website is daveandbusters.com. They offer a wide array of products and services ranging from video arcade games and billiard tables to an extensive food and beverage menu. Founded in the 1980s, by David Corriveau and James "Buster" Corley, Dave & Buster's initially started as two separate establishments, a bar and an arcade, that eventually merged into one fun-filled entity

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Coppell, TX, US

Year founded

1982

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