Kitchen Manager

Job Summary:

Orangeland, a vibrant and fast-growing seafood restaurant, is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to lead our kitchen operations. This dual-role position is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic kitchen environment and has strong leadership skills to manage a team effectively.

As the Head Chef, you will be responsible for creating and executing high-quality seafood dishes that reflect our brand’s commitment to freshness and flavor. As Kitchen Manager, you will oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including managing kitchen staff, maintaining food safety standards, controlling inventory, and ensuring efficient service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and prepare a variety of seafood dishes with consistency and creativity
• Hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations
• Oversee food prep, portion control, and presentation to meet quality standards
• Manage kitchen inventory, order supplies, and control food costs
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
• Collaborate with management on menu development and seasonal specials
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a chef, preferably in seafood cuisine
• Prior experience managing a kitchen or leading a culinary team
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Deep knowledge of kitchen operations, food safety, and sanitation standards
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Passion for quality, teamwork, and customer satisfaction

Why Work at Orangeland?

At Orangeland, we value fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a team that brings energy and pride to every dish served. If you’re a skilled chef who enjoys mentoring others and leading a kitchen with excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

REQUIREMENTS

• Requirements: 1.Culinary Expertise in Seafood Cuisine •Proven ability to prepare and plate high-quality seafood dishes •Deep understanding of seafood handling, freshness standards, and seasonality 2.Leadership & Staff Management •At least 2–3 years of experience managing a kitchen team •Skilled in training, supervising, and motivating kitchen staff •Ability to build a positive, disciplined, and team-oriented kitchen culture 3.Operational Efficiency •Strong understanding of kitchen workflows and time management •Ability to manage prep schedules, service timing, and order coordination •Experience with kitchen equipment maintenance and organization 4.Inventory & Cost Control •Proficient in ordering, tracking, and managing kitchen inventory •Ability to minimize waste, control food costs, and maximize profitability •Familiarity with vendor relationships and price negotiation 5.Menu Development & Creativity •Able to design seasonal menus, specials, and signature dishes •Understands customer preferences and market trends •Collaborates with ownership/management to align food offerings with the restaurant’s vision 6.Quality & Consistency Standards •Commitment to consistent taste, presentation, and portioning •Implements quality checks and maintains high food standards every shift 7.Health & Safety Compliance •Certified in food safety (ServSafe or local equivalent) •Thorough knowledge of food handling, storage, and sanitation protocols •Maintains all health code requirements and ensures staff compliance 8.Problem-Solving & Decision-Making Skills •Quick and calm under pressure, especially during peak hours •Capable of resolving conflicts, supply issues, or equipment failures swiftly 9.Communication & Collaboration •Works closely with front-of-house staff and management •Communicates clearly with the team during service and meetings •Open to feedback and continuous improvement 10.Business-Minded Approach •Understands how kitchen performance impacts overall business success •Willing to take ownership and responsibility for outcomes •Committed to helping the restaurant grow and maintain a strong reputation

Mike and Cheryl Tayara bought Orangeland Seafood in 1984 with hard-earned money and a whole lotta love. They developed a restaurant that not only their family could be a part of but that their customers could bring their families to be a part of.

Throughout the years Orangeland has gone through several big changes from its original concept of fruit baskets to its current focus on providing the freshest seafood in town at the lowest prices. Although Orangeland has changed quite a bit over the years, the original home-cooked recipes haven’t changed. Customers from all over the United States stop in to enjoy a meal that reminds them of their southern roots.

Customers can choose from meals and side orders on our menu or visit our fresh market with a variety of seasonal seafood. Take your fresh seafood home or let our cooks do the work. In addition to providing delicious seafood, Orangeland has an extra large dining room and outdoor seating.