Assistant Culinary Experience Manager

Impact Kitchen • New York, NY

95d • $65,000 - $72,000

About The Position

As an Assistant Culinary Experience Manager (ACEM) at Impact Kitchen, you play a hands-on leadership role in the kitchen, setting the standard for culinary excellence. You are passionate about food quality, consistency, and operational execution, ensuring every dish reflects our values and commitment to guest satisfaction. You work closely with the Culinary Experience Manager to support and lead all aspects of back-of-house operations — from food preparation and cleanliness to compliance and team development. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and leads from the front, setting the tone for the team through direct involvement in day-to-day kitchen activities. This position offers a clear growth path to Culinary Experience Manager and ultimately Restaurant General Manager.

Requirements

• Culinary Degree from a recognized Institute or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3 years of progressive kitchen management experience
• Proven success managing food and labour costs in a high-volume kitchen
• Comprehensive knowledge of food production, cost controls, sanitation, and kitchen safety
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience in training and developing culinary staff
• Ability to ensure and train on consistency, quality, and plate presentation
• Flexible availability including weekends and holidays; willingness to work extended hours when needed
• Ability to lift over 20 lbs and remain active during long shifts

Nice To Haves

• Commissary or multi-location experience considered an asset

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily execution of food preparation and kitchen operations
• Lead by example in all areas of kitchen execution — including prepping, cooking, and expo — to set the standard for quality, urgency, and professionalism
• Ensure all food served meets Impact’s quality, presentation, and consistency standards
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen that meets all health and safety regulations
• Manage and oversee prep lists, production schedules, and service flow
• Assist with scheduling and labour management to align with sales forecasts and budgets
• Coach, train, and develop kitchen staff; promote a culture of accountability and learning
• Uphold and reinforce SOPs for food production, inventory, and sanitation
• Support recruitment and onboarding of kitchen talent; participate in evaluations and progressive discipline where necessary
• Track and report on kitchen KPIs such as food cost, labour cost, and waste
• Collaborate with senior leaders and culinary stakeholders on new menu items, recipe development, and production rollouts

Benefits

• Meal stipend
• Substantial discount on Impact Kitchen products
• Eligibility for health and dental benefits
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Flexible scheduling to support a balanced lifestyle

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree