Kitchen Manager

PSQ Productions•Irvine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

PSQ Productions is Orange County's premier event production and venue management company, based in Irvine. With over 35 years of experience, we produce concerts, festivals, and community events that create lasting memories and engage local audiences. Our turnkey approach blends creativity, precision, and community focus, making us a trusted partner for high-impact live experiences. We are seeking creative trailblazers who are tech-forward, culture-minded, and ready to make a tangible impact on Orange County communities through unforgettable experiences.

Requirements

Experience in kitchen operations management.
Menu development and customization skills.
Knowledge of food safety and health regulations.
Ability to coordinate with event managers and production teams.
Experience preparing meals for performers based on rider requests.
Skill in managing special dietary needs.
Ability to ensure timely food delivery during events.
Experience in recruiting, training, and managing kitchen staff.
Proficiency in staff scheduling to meet event demands.
Experience in providing continuous training for kitchen staff.
Ability to monitor staff performance and provide feedback.
Experience working with Directors of Food and Beverage to design event menus.
Ability to collaborate with Event Managers on food service alignment.
Experience customizing menus for venue buyouts.
Skills in inventory management (ordering, storage, rotation).
Experience establishing and maintaining relationships with food vendors.
Ability to monitor food costs and wastage.
Knowledge of local health and safety regulations.
Experience implementing waste reduction and sustainability practices.
Customer service skills to ensure guest satisfaction.
Ability to manage and resolve food quality issues or complaints.

Nice To Haves

Experience in event production or venue management.
Familiarity with Orange County's culinary scene.
Tech-forward and culture-minded approach.

Responsibilities

Oversees kitchen operations, ensuring all food is prepared to the highest standard and served in a timely manner for events, buyouts, and band riders.
Develops and updates food menus tailored to different events, such as concerts, corporate events, private parties, or band-specific requests. Creates themed or custom menus for special events as needed.
Maintains consistency in the preparation and presentation of food. Ensures that every dish meets quality standards and adheres to the venue's culinary brand.
Oversees the proper handling, storage, and preparation of food to comply with health and safety regulations. Ensures that food safety standards are met in every aspect of kitchen operations.
Coordinates with event managers or production teams to review band riders, which may include specific food and beverage requests. Ensures that all requirements for the performers, including dietary preferences or restrictions, are met.
Prepares meals, snacks, or beverages for performers based on their specific rider requests, ensuring that all items are delivered to the performers' satisfaction.
Manages any special dietary needs for performers (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-friendly) and ensures these needs are clearly communicated to the kitchen team and executed flawlessly.
Ensures that food for band members is delivered on time, especially during rehearsals, sound checks, or performance times, without interrupting the event flow.
Recruits, trains, and manages kitchen staff (cooks, prep staff, and dishwashers) to ensure smooth kitchen operations during events. Assists with scheduling staff to meet event demands, especially for large buyouts or high-profile performances.
Provides continuous training for kitchen staff, particularly regarding new menu items, safety protocols, and specific event requirements such as buyouts or band-specific needs.
Monitors staff performance, providing feedback and ensuring that all team members are working efficiently and adhering to food safety standards.
Works with Director of food and beverage to design and execute event menus based on the type of event (e.g., a casual cocktail reception, a seated dinner for a corporate event, or a buffet for a private buyout). Ensures the menu aligns with the event's theme and the client's preferences.
Works closely with the Event Manager to ensure that food service aligns with the schedule and requirements of the event, including timing for meal service during concerts or other performances.
In the case of venue buyouts, customizes menus to accommodate the exclusive nature of the event, including upscale options, premium ingredients, or multi-course meals.
Oversees the ordering, storage, and rotation of food and beverage inventory, ensuring that all necessary ingredients are available for events and that stock is properly managed to avoid waste.
Establishes and maintains relationships with food vendors, ensuring that quality ingredients are sourced for each event. Ensures that special items or ingredients required for band riders or event-specific menus are available.
Monitors food costs and wastage, ensuring that the kitchen operates within budget and adheres to cost-control procedures while still providing high-quality meals.
Ensures compliance with local health and safety regulations, including food handling, sanitation, and kitchen cleanliness. Maintains a clean and organized kitchen environment.
Implements best practices for waste reduction and sustainability in food preparation, including using local, seasonal ingredients when possible.
Ensures that all guests - whether attending a concert, corporate event, or private buyout - are satisfied with the food offerings. Manages any issues or complaints related to food quality promptly.
For buyouts and performances, ensures that high-profile clients and performers are fully satisfied with their food experiences, from special dietary accommodations to customized requests from their riders.
Any other duties as assigned by your supervisor and as business dictates