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Kitchen Manager Jobs in Ottawa, IL (NOW HIRING)

Applebee's

Kitchen Manager

Peru, IL · On-site

As the Kitchen Manager, you would be responsible for the back of the house and all of its functions. This position will direct the activities of back-of-the-house hourly associates, ensuring ...

Applebee's

Kitchen Manager

Peru, IL · On-site

As the Kitchen Manager, you would be responsible for the back of the house and all of its functions. This position will direct the activities of back-of-the-house hourly associates, ensuring ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Peru, IL · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Opportunities for advancement (80% of managers started as Crew) PAY TRANSPARENCY Below is the base ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Yorkville, IL · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Opportunities for advancement (80% of managers started as Crew) PAY TRANSPARENCY Below is the base ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Peru, IL

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Opportunities for advancement (80% of managers started as Crew) PAY TRANSPARENCY Below is the base ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Ottawa, IL

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Opportunities for advancement (80% of managers started as Crew) PAY TRANSPARENCY Below is the base ...

CHIPOTLE

Kitchen Leader

Ottawa, IL · On-site

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Opportunities for advancement (80% of managers started as Crew) PAY TRANSPARENCY Below is the base ...

Chipotle

Kitchen Leader

Yorkville, IL

THE OPPORTUNITY As Kitchen Leader, you will learn how to prepare great food, grill meats, and ... Opportunities for advancement (80% of managers started as Crew) PAY TRANSPARENCY Below is the base ...

Panda Restaurant Group

Kitchen Team

Morris, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

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 ...

Arby's

General Manager

Ottawa, IL · On-site

Job Summary The General Manager (GM) is the strategic and operational leader of the restaurant ... Operate POS systems, kitchen equipment, computers, and other standard devices * Communicate clearly ...

Arby's

General Manager

Ottawa, IL · On-site

Job Summary The General Manager (GM) is the strategic and operational leader of the restaurant ... Operate POS systems, kitchen equipment, computers, and other standard devices * Communicate clearly ...

Arby's

General Manager

Morris, IL · On-site

Job Summary The General Manager (GM) is the strategic and operational leader of the restaurant ... Operate POS systems, kitchen equipment, computers, and other standard devices * Communicate clearly ...

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All JobsKitchen JobsKitchen Manager JobsKitchen Manager Jobs in Ottawa, IL

Kitchen Manager information

See Ottawa, IL salary details

$22.2K

$51.1K

$74.1K

How much do kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for kitchen manager in Ottawa, IL is $51,109.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $61,800.00 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.

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

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

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

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

Kitchen Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Manager job openings in Ottawa, IL 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 $51,109 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Kitchen Manager

Applebee's

Peru, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Applebee's rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 742 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

Applebee's restaurants nationwide are hiring! 


Applebee's celebrates a fun, friendly, inclusive culture and invites like-minded candidates to join a team where hard work opens opportunities and team members get the support they need to succeed.


We take pride in our teams!


Performance - We totally own our actions and are accountable for our results.

Respect - We treat others the way we want to be treated.

Integrity - We do what we say we're going to do, and always do the right thing.

Development - We continuously grow and improve our teams, ourselves, our company, and our communities.

Engagement - We foster a fun, energizing, and engaging place to work. 


Job Description

As the Kitchen Manager, you would be responsible for the back of the house and all of its functions. This position will direct the activities of back-of-the-house hourly associates, ensuring cleanliness and sanitation, implementing purchasing and cost controls, and following up with corrective action where needed.


Requirements

  • A minimum of 1 year's experience with Kitchen Management in the Casual Restaurant industry is required.
  • A High School Diploma is preferred.
  • Current alcohol and food certifications that meet state requirements are preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of team leadership and positive conflict resolution.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Able to withstand the physical demands a restaurant environment holds. 

Benefits

  • Recognition and growth- we aim to recognize your dedication and hard work. 
  • Competitive benefits (401K, HSA, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance plan options) - to ensure you and your family are well taken care of. 
  • Paid Training - we aim to set you up for success!
  • Early Wage Access- Access your earnings before payday
  • Company discounts - MAKE IT A ROUTINE AND SAVE!
  • Opportunities for advancement and growth within our organization - we're excited to embark on this journey with you. 


We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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