May 19, 2012

One of the most important jobs in a restaurant kitchen is not the chef but the kitchen manager. If the kitchen is not run properly then nothing else does either.

A restaurant kitchen manager is in charge of opening and closing the restaurant. Kitchen operation safety, inventory manager and staff scheduling.They are also responsible for purchasing the inventory and keeping track of what is used and what is not used. The kitchen manager also must keep the kitchen organized and neat. A manager also keeps his focus on accounting and keeping consistent production of a menu. A kitchen manager should be well able to handle a restaurant that can hold more than people. According to most places that are looking to hire a kitchen manager, the responsibilities a kitchen manager must have include:

1. Organization, training and supervising the kitchen crew.
2. They are responsible for menu planning
3. Maintaining inventory and order supplies as needed.
4. Keep a clean and organized kitchen
5. Follow food prep and storage regulations.

A great applicant should have the following:

1. A strong background in the food service industry
2. Very strong personal management skills
3. Leadership abilities as well as great communication skills
4. Good planning and supervision of kitchen operations
5. Must be able to work open to close, maybe several days a week.

The key to a great manager no matter where you work is personal skills. If you can get along with the people you work with then they will do their best to make you look good. When you are working in a kitchen and for example the Sous Chef does not like you, they may not respect your position enough to make you look good. You must do your best to get along with others and make sure that everyone is communicating.

When one person in a kitchen falls so does the rest of the line. Then nothing is productive and the one thing a kitchen must be is productive. If the food goes out late and customers complain then you are failing at your job. A great dinner or lunch service is the key to return business. Without customers you don’t have a business and it is the kitchen manager’s job to make sure that the kitchen is running smoothly and effectively.