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Kitchen Manager Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Manager

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

As an Applebee's Kitchen Manager, you will be engaged in all aspects of the day-to-day operations at the restaurant. The Kitchen Manager is responsible for getting guests and staff excited about ...

Kitchen Manager

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

As an Applebee's ® Kitchen Manager, you will be engaged in all aspects of the day-to-day operations at the restaurant. The Kitchen Manager is responsible for getting guests and staff excited about ...

As an Applebee's ® Kitchen Manager, you will be engaged in all aspects of the day-to-day operations at the restaurant. The Kitchen Manager is responsible for getting guests and staff excited about ...

Apply Early

As a Restaurant Kitchen Manager, you will be responsible for the daily operations of all back-of-the-house functions for your assigned restaurant and for providing nothing but the finest food for our ...

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Kitchen Manager information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$21.5K

$49.4K

$71.7K

How much do kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for kitchen manager in Oak Ridge, TN is $49,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,300.00 and $59,800.00 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.

How much do kitchen managers earn?

Kitchen managers typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. They often oversee staff, manage inventory, and ensure food safety standards are met, which can influence compensation levels.

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.

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 role of a kitchen manager?

A kitchen manager oversees daily operations in a restaurant or food service establishment, including managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, controlling inventory, and maintaining cleanliness. They often coordinate with chefs and staff, enforce health regulations, and may handle scheduling and budgeting to ensure efficient kitchen performance.

What are the duties of a kitchen manager?

A kitchen manager oversees daily kitchen operations, including supervising staff, ensuring food quality and safety, managing inventory and supplies, and maintaining cleanliness and compliance with health regulations. They also handle scheduling, training, and budgeting to ensure efficient restaurant performance.

What is the highest paying job in a kitchen?

The highest paying job in a kitchen is typically a Executive Chef or Head Chef, especially in high-end restaurants or luxury hotels. These roles require extensive experience, culinary skills, and often management certifications, and they can earn significantly higher salaries than other kitchen positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What are popular job titles related to Kitchen Manager jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? For Kitchen Manager jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Kitchen Manager jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Kitchen Manager job openings:
Kitchen Manager

$62K - $68K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Applebee's rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 731 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

Fun. Flexibility. Growth.


As an Applebee's Kitchen Manager, you will be engaged in all aspects of the day-to-day operations at the restaurant. The Kitchen Manager is responsible for getting guests and staff excited about their experience every day at Applebee's. The Kitchen Manager will be a team leader, a great problem solver, and have the ability to handle stress and rise above. The Kitchen Manager will work hard, and have a great time doing it!


At Applebee's you will discover a balance between work life and personal life, as well as amazing benefits:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Healthcare benefits; including dental and vision coverage
  • Meal discounts
  • Paid Time Off / Paid Vacations
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • Bonus Opportunities


You are applying for work with a franchisee of Applebee's, not Applebee's Corp. or any of its affiliates. If hired, the franchisee will be your only employer. Franchisees are independent business owners who set their own wage and benefit programs that can vary among franchisees.


Hiring Immediately!


If you have previous experience in management, as an Assistant Manager, Supervisor, or Team Leader at any casual dining establishments, please apply!


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