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Restaurant Kitchen Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Dubuque, IA

$55K - $70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Restaurant Kitchen Manager $55,000-70,500/yr Restaurant Kitchen Manager Compensation Range: 55,000.00 - 70,500.00 The Restaurant Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring seamless day-to-day ...

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$48K - $61K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Restaurant Kitchen Manager Compensation Range: 55,000.00 - 70,500.00 The Restaurant Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring seamless day-to-day kitchen operations, with an unwavering commitment ...

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Restaurant Kitchen Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$22.5K

$54K

$70.9K

How much do restaurant kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant kitchen manager in Iowa is $54,032.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $61,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a restaurant kitchen manager do?

A Restaurant Kitchen Manager oversees the daily operations of a restaurant's kitchen, ensuring food is prepared safely, efficiently, and meets quality standards. They manage kitchen staff, order supplies, control inventory, and enforce health and safety regulations. Additionally, they collaborate with chefs to develop menus, monitor food costs, and address any issues that arise during service. Their role is essential in maintaining a smooth, productive, and compliant kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges faced by restaurant kitchen managers, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Restaurant Kitchen Managers often face challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality during busy service, managing inventory to minimize waste, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Effective communication with kitchen staff and front-of-house teams is essential to streamline operations and resolve issues quickly. Implementing regular training, clear procedures, and robust scheduling can help address these challenges and create a productive, well-organized kitchen environment.

What is the difference between Restaurant Kitchen Manager vs Restaurant Sous Chef?

AspectRestaurant Kitchen ManagerRestaurant Sous Chef
Primary RoleOversees kitchen operations, staff management, and ensures food quality and safetyAssists the head chef, manages kitchen staff, and supervises food preparation
CredentialsFood safety certifications, management experienceCooking certifications, culinary training
Work EnvironmentAdministrative and supervisory tasks in a restaurant kitchenHands-on cooking and kitchen supervision
Industry UsageCommonly employed in restaurant management structuresPart of culinary team, reports to head chef or kitchen manager

The Restaurant Kitchen Manager focuses on overall kitchen operations, staff management, and safety compliance, while the Restaurant Sous Chef primarily assists the head chef with food preparation and kitchen supervision. Both roles require culinary knowledge, but the manager has a broader administrative focus, whereas the sous chef is more involved in daily cooking activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant kitchen manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restaurant Kitchen Manager, you need strong culinary expertise, experience in kitchen operations, and typically a background in hospitality or culinary management. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management tools, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills are vital for managing staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, high food quality, and a safe, productive team that supports the restaurant’s success.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Restaurant Kitchen Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Restaurant Kitchen Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Kitchen Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,032 per year, or $26 per hour.

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

Red Robin

Dubuque, IA

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Red Robin rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 332 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 20 rated casual dining restaurants


Job description

Restaurant Kitchen Manager

$55,000-70,500/yr

Restaurant Kitchen Manager
Compensation Range:  55,000.00 - 70,500.00
The Restaurant Kitchen Manager is responsible for ensuring seamless day-to-day kitchen operations, with an unwavering commitment to excellence. As a Brand ambassador, they uphold our company's standards, crafting an unparalleled experience for Guests through scratch cooking, unique artisanal American food, and gourmet burgers.  Responsible for inventory, ordering and key P&L lines this position is critical to our restaurant success.  Our Kitchen Manager fosters a culture that continuously strives for improvement and embraces a better for being here mentality.
The role is also eligible to enjoy:
  • Share in the financial success of your restaurant with an uncapped bonus program
  • Referral bonuses for bringing new members to our team
  • Free shift meal and 50% discount on Red Robin food for your family
  • Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
  • Excellent opportunities to grow with us
To qualify for this role a great candidate has:
  • Must be 21 years of age 
  • 2 years of management experience 
  • Open Availability (including but not limited to nights, weekends, holidays) 
  • Reliable transportation 
  • Strong communication and exceptional leadership skills. Ability to motivate, inspire, and develop a passionate team dedicated to execution, hospitality, and service 
  • Strong P&L knowledge 
  • Able to obtain required certifications/permits as required by state/local law 
  • Working knowledge in Microsoft Excel, Outlook & Word
Preferred  
  • Knowledgeable of local and State health codes 
  • Experience with Workday, Aloha, NBO, and Hot schedules 
  • Experience managing a team
Red Robin is an equal opportunity employer.  We love hearing from great people who share our passion for unbridled hospitality.
Legal Disclosures
Pay Range (Base Pay):   Pay range disclosed above.
Other Types of Compensation (subject to qualifications and requirements):  Variable Bonus, Referral Bonus, Employee Stock Purchase Program, Paid Parental Leave.
Insurance (subject to qualifications and requirements):  Health, vision, dental, life, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage (must be 18+). 
Retirement Benefits (subject to qualifications and requirements):  401k retirement plan (with company match to 4% of pay).
Paid Time Off (subject to qualifications and requirements):  0.03846 hours for each 1 hour worked. 
Application Window:  Red Robin accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Red Robin isn’t your typical burger restaurant.  We’re a team filled with unbridled energy, magnetic personalities, and a passion for having fun!   Red Robin is a high-volume, full-service restaurant known for its laid-back atmosphere and uniquely quirky vibe.  We are concept that has great growth opportunities. We love inspiring our guests with burgers beyond yumagination, and we’re driven by serving up connection, fun and generosity that’s as bottomless as our world-famous steak fries! We value a sense of belonging and welcome both similarities and differences, because Red Robin is for everyone.

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