Working Chef & Kitchen Manager

Castle Group•Lely Resort, FL

About The Position

Overview The Kitchen Manager is a key leader in our residential restaurant community, responsible for ensuring smooth kitchen operations and maintaining the highest standards of service. This role requires a hands-on, energetic leader with strong organizational skills, a focus on guest satisfaction, and a solid understanding of food and beverage financials. The Kitchen Manager provides exemplary service in a manner consistent with the values and mission of the Castle Group. He or she performs all responsibilities while demonstrating outstanding customer service skills representative of Castle Royal Service. Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities Actively participate as a working member of the Food & Beverage team, guiding and directing team members while stepping in as needed to support business demands. Ensure smooth functioning of the kitchen, including food preparation, team management, and service quality. Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained, repaired, and replaced when necessary. Recruit, train, and manage kitchen staff, ensuring they follow company policies and maintain high performance and service standards. Hold team members accountable to performance standards, following the established Royal Steps of Service. Develop staff schedules aligning with business trends and meeting budget requirements. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations. Adhere to OSHA, ADA, FDA, and other relevant state and federal safety standards. Conduct monthly inventory checks and reconcile results to maintain accurate records. Monitor food costs, portion control, and waste reduction to maintain profitability. Collaborate on the creation of quarterly menus, special event menus, and catering for resident clubs and groups. Participate in board and committee meetings as required to provide input and support on food and beverage operations. Ensure proper safety protocols are followed, including utilization of personal protective equipment (PPEs) Other duties as assigned Supervisory Responsibilities Directly manage the kitchen staff Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with Castle’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training, developing and mentoring employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred
Have some experience managing a kitchen in a restaurant including but not limited to 1-year of experience.
Basic understanding of cost of goods sold, menu pricing, and financial schedule extension.
Experience placing food and beverage orders both in person and online, through major vendors.
Portioning, Prep Sheets and other cost and quality controls.
Continuing education will be offered and administered as needed.
Proficient in the English language
Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate, receive, and exchange ideas and information by means of spoken and written language.
Capable of training and developing staff to meet high service and operational standards.
Strong focus on delivering an excellent dining experience for guests.
Understanding of food preparation, presentation, and beverage pairings.
Knowledge of menu development, including seasonal and event-driven offerings.
Experienced in conflict resolution for both guests and team members.
Ability to lead and manage a team.
Intermediate command of computer hardware/software, specifically Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Able to work under pressure, maintain composure and utilize good judgement during emergency/difficult and stressful situations.
Ability to Lift up to 30 lbs.;
work in an upright standing or sitting position for long periods of time, may fluctuate.
May handle, finger, grasp and lift objects and packages.
Reach with hands and arms,
Communicate, receive and exchange ideas and information.
quickly and easily navigate the property/building as required to meet the job functions; complete all required forms.
May be required to travel for training sessions off-site on an ad-hoc basis.
May be occasionally required to cover for front desk staff at other communities within a reasonable commuting distance when needed.
Ability to work extended hours and weekends based on project requirements.
Ability to respond to emergencies and callouts in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

Actively participate as a working member of the Food & Beverage team, guiding and directing team members while stepping in as needed to support business demands.
Ensure smooth functioning of the kitchen, including food preparation, team management, and service quality.
Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained, repaired, and replaced when necessary.
Recruit, train, and manage kitchen staff, ensuring they follow company policies and maintain high performance and service standards.
Hold team members accountable to performance standards, following the established Royal Steps of Service.
Develop staff schedules aligning with business trends and meeting budget requirements.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations.
Adhere to OSHA, ADA, FDA, and other relevant state and federal safety standards.
Conduct monthly inventory checks and reconcile results to maintain accurate records.
Monitor food costs, portion control, and waste reduction to maintain profitability.
Collaborate on the creation of quarterly menus, special event menus, and catering for resident clubs and groups.
Participate in board and committee meetings as required to provide input and support on food and beverage operations.
Ensure proper safety protocols are followed, including utilization of personal protective equipment (PPEs)
Other duties as assigned