Culinary Operations Manager

Sage Hospitality•Denver, CO

1d•$70,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Culinary Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and execution of all culinary operations across the Catbird Kitchen, Rook, and banquet/event programming. This role blends operational ownership (scheduling, ordering, cost control) with hands-on culinary execution, ensuring a consistent, high-quality food experience across all guest touchpoints. This leader sets the tone for kitchen culture, drives efficiency, and ensures the culinary program supports the hotel’s brand, financial goals, and guest experience standards.

Requirements

More than two years of post high school education, but less than a degree from a four-year college.
Five to ten years of employment in a related position with this company or other organization(s).
Advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the food profession.
Experiential knowledge required for management of people and/or complex problems and food and beverage management.
Oral and written communication skills.
Moderate hearing to communicate with employees and to hear machinery, for safety reasons.
Excellent vision, for safety reasons.
Moderate speech communications skills to communicate with other employees.
Excellent comprehension and literacy to read and write, as well as analyze to fulfill budget.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute all banquet and event culinary production from prep through service
Oversee daily food production for Catbird
Ensure all food meets brand standards for quality, consistency, and presentation
Maintain and evolve recipes, prep standards, and execution systems
Act as the on-the-ground culinary lead during high-volume or complex service periods
Create and manage weekly culinary team schedules aligned with business demand
Adjust staffing based on occupancy, events, and seasonality
Monitor labor costs and productivity to meet budget targets
Ensure proper coverage across all outlets
Own all food ordering across all outlets
Maintain appropriate pars and inventory levels to prevent shortages or waste
Track and manage food cost, waste, and spoilage
Build relationships with vendors and ensure product quality and consistency
Conduct regular inventory counts and support financial reporting
Partner with Sales/Events team to plan and execute all culinary aspects of events
Review BEOs and ensure accurate prep and execution
Lead kitchen production timelines for events of varying size and complexity
Ensure seamless execution, timing, and presentation for all group functions
Lead, coach, and develop all culinary team members
Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and pride in execution
Support onboarding and training of new hires
Provide ongoing feedback, performance management, and recognition
Reinforce hotel culture and service philosophy within the kitchen
Ensure full compliance with health department regulations and food safety standards
Maintain a clean, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen at all times
Enforce proper food handling, labeling, and storage procedures
Partner closely with all department heads and property leadership to align operations
Communicate proactively around event needs, menu availability, and operational changes
Support a seamless guest experience across all departments

Benefits

Eligible to participate in Sage bonus plan. Up to 20% of your salary.
Unlimited paid time off
Eligible to enroll in medical insurance with employer covering up to 70% of premiums with wellness credit
Eligible to enroll in dental insurance with employer contribution towards premiums & vision insurance
Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with up to 4% employer match, meeting safe harbor requirements and no vesting period
Eligible to enroll in Health savings accounts with qualifying medical plans and receive up to $1000 company contribution
Eligible to enroll in Health, Dependent and Commuter flexible spending accounts
Company paid Basic Life and AD&D insurance coverage, with option to enroll in additional coverage
Eligible to purchase Pet Insurance, Accidental Insurance, Critical Insurance and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Company-paid short-term disability
Company-paid long-term disability (GM & EC Members only)
Eligible to enroll in long term disability insurance (non-GM & EC Members)
WINFertility guidance for those enrolled in Sage medical plan
Calm Health Application Subscription
Tuition Reimbursement of up to $2,000 per calendar year
Paid FMLA leave for up to a period of 12 weeks
Employee Assistance Program
Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more.
Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral.