1

Smallwares Manager Jobs in Inkster, MI (NOW HIRING)

Description:Senior Leader, leader and owner of, "Safe food, Great food", Waste Management ... Ensure that the proper smallwares are being used and products are made to the recipe. * Execute the ...

Smallwares Manager information

What is a smallwares manager?

A Smallwares Manager is responsible for overseeing the selection, purchasing, inventory, and organization of smallwares—such as kitchen utensils, cookware, tableware, and other non-food items—for restaurants, hotels, or food service operations. They work closely with chefs, suppliers, and management to ensure the right products are available, cost-effective, and meet quality standards. Their role often includes negotiating with vendors, tracking inventory, and supporting kitchen staff with the tools they need to operate efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a smallwares manager?

To thrive as a Smallwares Manager, you need expertise in inventory management, product sourcing, and purchasing, often backed by experience in retail or foodservice supply environments. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and supply chain tools is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with vendors and team members. These abilities ensure efficient operations, accurate stock levels, and excellent customer service, directly impacting business profitability and client satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by smallwares managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Smallwares Managers often face challenges such as maintaining accurate inventory, coordinating with multiple vendors, and ensuring timely replenishment of fast-moving items. To address these, it's important to implement efficient inventory tracking systems, establish strong relationships with reliable suppliers, and communicate regularly with kitchen and purchasing teams to anticipate needs. Staying organized and proactive helps prevent shortages and allows for smoother kitchen operations, which is critical in the hospitality and foodservice industry.

What is the difference between Smallwares Manager vs Kitchen Supervisor?

AspectSmallwares ManagerKitchen Supervisor
CredentialsExperience in inventory management, basic food safety certificationsFood safety certifications, leadership experience
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, storerooms, supply areasKitchen floor, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, hotels, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, institutional kitchens
Common Search & ComparisonInventory, supplies, procurementFood prep, staff supervision, kitchen operations

The Smallwares Manager primarily handles inventory, procurement, and supply management in the kitchen environment, focusing on maintaining stock levels of utensils, cookware, and small equipment. In contrast, the Kitchen Supervisor oversees daily kitchen operations, staff, and food quality. While both roles require food safety knowledge, the Smallwares Manager emphasizes supply logistics, whereas the Kitchen Supervisor emphasizes team management and food preparation.

What are popular job titles related to Smallwares Manager jobs in Inkster, MI?

For Smallwares Manager jobs in Inkster, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Smallwares Manager job openings in Inkster, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Utility Associate - X Center Apex Grille

Pontiac, MI • On-site

M1 Concourse LLC
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 11 - 50 employees

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Employee discounts
  • Paid time off

GREAT KITCHENS DON'T RUN WITHOUT GREAT UTILITY PEOPLE 
The Apex Grille at M1 Concourse's X Center is looking for dependable utility professionals to join our opening team.  This is an important kitchen position—not an afterthought.  You'll operate commercial warewashing equipment, maintain dish and pot areas, support kitchen cleanliness and sanitation, handle waste and organization, and help the culinary team stay ready for service.  Restaurant experience is helpful, but reliability, work ethic and attitude matter more.  We're looking for someone who notices what needs to be done, takes pride in a clean workplace and understands that every position contributes to the guest experience. We'll provide training on our equipment, sanitation procedures and kitchen standards. Come help us build The Apex Grille from the starting line.
The Apex Grille | M1 Concourse's X Center | Pontiac, Michigan
JOB SUMMARY
The X Center - Apex Grille Utility Associate is responsible for maintaining a continuous supply of clean and sanitized serviceware, cookware, utensils and kitchen equipment while supporting the overall cleanliness, safety and organization of the dish area and back-of-house operation. This position operates commercial warewashing equipment, follows established chemical and sanitation procedures, manages waste and recycling and assists with end-of-shift kitchen cleaning. Through urgency, attention to detail and dependable teamwork, the Utility Associate helps culinary and service Team Members deliver a safe, efficient and premium guest experience. The X Center Apex Grille Utility Associate shall represent M1 Concourse with the highest level of professionalism and decorum.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Allows cleaned items to air-dry completely and properly sorts, stores and protects them from contamination or damage. 
  • Assists with end-of-night kitchen cleaning, including floors, drains, walls, equipment exteriors, work surfaces and other assigned back-of-house areas. 
  • Assists with receiving, stocking and organizing back-of-house supplies while supporting culinary, service, stewarding, event and operations Team Members as needed. 
  • Cleans and sanitizes removable kitchen-equipment components, smallwares and other assigned items without damaging surfaces or equipment. 
  • Collects and properly disposes of trash, food waste and recycling; breaks down cardboard; and maintains designated waste areas in a clean and orderly condition. 
  • Completes assigned opening, transition and closing checklists while maintaining compliance with M1 Concourse policies, Apex Grille procedures and applicable health, sanitation, chemical-handling and safety requirements.
  • Handles, labels, stores and uses cleaning chemicals according to product instructions, Safety Data Sheets and required protective-equipment procedures; never mixes incompatible chemicals and promptly reports spills or exposure incidents. 
  • Identifies and promptly reports broken or chipped serviceware, equipment malfunctions, plumbing concerns, supply shortages and sanitation or safety issues. 
  • Inspects washed items for cleanliness, sanitation, damage and residue and rewashes items that do not meet established standards. 
  • Keeps floors, mats, drains and traffic areas clean, dry and free of hazards and responds promptly to spills using appropriate cleaning methods and warning signage. 
  • Maintains a clean, organized, sanitary dish area - including sinks, counters, racks, carts, shelving, walls & equipment exteriors. 
  • Operates the commercial dish machine safely and efficiently in accordance with training, manufacturer guidance and established procedures. 
  • Replenishes clean serviceware, cookware, utensils, smallwares to designated kitchen, bar & service locations throughout shift. 
  • Sets up the dish area before service, confirming that the dish machine, sinks, drains, racks, mats, chemicals, tools and supplies are clean, operational and properly arranged. 
  • Sorts, scrapes, rinses, racks and washes plates, glassware, flatware, serving pieces and other serviceware using the appropriate washing method. 
  • Tests sanitizer concentrations, monitors dish-machine temperatures and completes required chemical, temperature and cleaning records accurately. 
  • Uses approved detergents, rinse agents and sanitizers at the proper concentrations and replenishes products as needed. 
  • Washes pots, pans, sheet trays, utensils, storage containers and cooking tools using the dish machine or three-compartment sink as appropriate. 
  • Performs all other duties as may be required and assigned.