Kitchen Lead- Bryn Mawr

The Buttery•Lower Merion Township, PA

About The Position

We’re looking for a Kitchen Lead to guide the day-to-day operations of our à la carte kitchen and help set the tone for excellence from the very beginning. This role is key to delivering high-quality, consistent food that reflects The Buttery’s standards while keeping service running smoothly and efficiently. You’ll lead and support a talented kitchen team—including line cooks and the dish team—fostering a collaborative, organized, and positive work environment. From overseeing prep and service to managing ordering, inventory, and team training, you’ll play a hands-on role in building strong systems and setting your team up for success in a fast-paced kitchen. You’ll join a supportive leadership group where high standards, clear communication, and good vibes go hand in hand. This is a chance to help shape the culture, rhythm, and operations of a brand-new kitchen from day one.

Requirements

Minimum 5-7 years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
Proven leadership experience, with the ability to motivate and develop a team of cooks.
Strong organizational skills to manage production schedules, inventory, and minimize waste.
Solid understanding of kitchen operations, inventory management, and ordering processes.
Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining high standards of quality and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, food handling guidelines, and kitchen sanitation standards.
Maintain a deep understanding of kitchen equipment, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Conduct daily quality checks to uphold high standards in food preparation, presentation, and consistency.
Manage ordering and inventory to ensure proper stock levels, reduce waste, and support efficient kitchen operations.
Collaborate with leadership to develop and refine menu items, optimizing for both quality and operational efficiency.
Keep kitchen documentation, recipes, and prep lists up to date in designated software and systems.
Continuously expand culinary knowledge through research, training, and participation in industry events when applicable.
Support the growth of the kitchen team through structured training programs and hands-on coaching.
Identify opportunities to improve kitchen processes, workflows, and productivity while maintaining quality.
Optimize food costs by monitoring inventory usage, reducing waste, and implementing cost-effective practices.
Partner with leadership to introduce seasonal items, specials, or menu updates that align with brand standards.
Embrace a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, supporting sustainable business growth and operational excellence.
Lead, train, and mentor a team of cooks and dish staff by fostering a positive and collaborative work environment while upholding The Buttery’s standards under the direction of the Culinary Director and General Manager
Support the team in holding them accountable through coaching conversations and corrective actions in line with company policies and the business’s culture with the support of the Culinary Director and General Manager.
Maintain consistent communication with Buttery leadership and staff to ensure alignment and transparency.
Support hiring efforts by participating in interviews and onboarding new team members alongside the General Manager.
Ensure the efficient use of resources to support smooth operations and maintain productivity.
Create and organize daily production lists and production schedules to meet service demands efficiently.
Coordinate ingredient ordering ensuring timely and accurate communication to maintain adequate inventory levels.
Oversee that the savory team and dish team maintains a clean, organized, and food-safe work environment in compliance with health and safety regulations.
Foster a collaborative environment that emphasizes excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the Buttery.
Conduct daily quality checks on all savory items produced to uphold high standards.