Kitchen Prep Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Old Carolina Barbecue Company (BBQ)

Full-Time or Part-Time Hourly Position

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is looking for detail-oriented team members who take pride in food quality, organization, and operational excellence.

Our Kitchen Prep Supervisor position is a leadership development opportunity for individuals who want to take ownership of food preparation, smoker operations, inventory readiness, and kitchen execution while building skills for future advancement opportunities within our growing BBQ restaurant company.

As a Kitchen Prep Supervisor, you will play a critical role in maintaining the quality, consistency, and preparation standards that our guests expect from Old Carolina Barbecue Company. You’ll work closely with restaurant leadership to ensure products are prepared correctly, inventory levels are maintained, and kitchen operations run efficiently.

This role serves as an important step within our leadership development pathway and provides opportunities for continued growth within the company.

Old Carolina Barbecue Company was built on a passion for authentic barbecue and a commitment to great hospitality. Before opening our first restaurant in Massillon, Ohio, we started as a competitive BBQ team dedicated to perfecting the craft of slow-smoked barbecue.

While our home is in North Canton, Ohio, our recipes, traditions, and cooking techniques are inspired by the rich barbecue heritage of the Carolinas. Today, Old Carolina Barbecue Company proudly operates eight locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving authentic BBQ made with quality ingredients, time-honored methods, and a genuine commitment to our guests.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for leaders who are passionate about people, hospitality, and building a long-term career with a company that values development, teamwork, and operational excellence.

• Competitive hourly pay of $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for eligible team members

• Paid vacation and holidays for eligible team members

• Free meals during shifts

• Company-provided uniforms

• Leadership development opportunities

• Flexible scheduling options

• Supportive and people-focused culture

• Career growth opportunities within a growing BBQ restaurant company

At Old Carolina Barbecue Company, we believe great leaders are developed through accountability, consistency, and attention to detail.

• Food preparation and production planning

• Smoker operation and BBQ production

• Inventory management and product ordering

• Food cost awareness

• Product quality control

• Kitchen organization and execution

• Team communication and coordination

• Food safety and sanitation

• Operational planning and execution

High-performing Kitchen Prep Supervisors may be considered for future Shift Supervisor, Manager in Training, or other leadership opportunities based on performance, readiness, and business needs.

• Ensure all BBQ and menu items are prepared according to company recipes and quality standards

• Maintain product quality, consistency, freshness, and presentation

• Oversee smoker loading, unloading, and daily smoker operations

• Monitor food dating, rotation, and storage procedures

• Ensure proper preparation and handling of all food products

• Execute daily and weekly prep plans

• Maintain appropriate inventory and stock levels

• Assist with ordering and inventory counts

• Organize, label, and prepare bulk orders

• Complete required prep, production, and sanitation checklists

• Support food cost management and waste reduction efforts

• Serve as a role model for food quality and kitchen standards

• Communicate effectively with managers, cooks, and front-of-house team members

• Support training and development of team members

• Promote accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence

• Help ensure kitchen readiness for all shifts

• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance

• Follow proper knife safety and food handling procedures

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment

• Ensure all equipment, smokers, and prep areas meet cleanliness standards

• Previous restaurant, kitchen, food preparation, culinary, or food production experience preferred

• Demonstrated reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work independently

• Passion for food quality and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast-paced environment

• Strong work ethic and commitment to operational excellence

• Interest in future leadership opportunities

• High school diploma or GED preferred

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday

• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed

• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds

• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and food preparation tools

This position may be offered as either full-time or part-time based on business needs and candidate availability.

Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays may be required based on operational needs.

This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Old Carolina Barbecue Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Over 20 years ago, high school buddies Brian Bailey and Tim Hug discovered a world of sights, aromas, and tastes on a road trip to “The Cradle of Q” — the Carolinas. They discovered a not-so-secret world where recipes and techniques have been passed down through the generations in smokehouses, pits, and shacks. They fell in love with the mystique and the method, so Brian and Tim decided to bring Carolina low and slow BBQ up north to their native Ohio.
Everyone’s welcome at Old Carolina, and when you walk through the door you’re greeted by a smiling crew member ready to take your order. And with our “love at first bite or we’ll make it right” guarantee, we’ll do what it takes to ensure your meal is extraordinary. And when you leave, you’ll hear a “See ya next time!” Because after the first visit, you’re part of our family and we know you’ll be back.