Kitchen Manager

Overview

We're looking for an experienced, motivated Kitchen Manager to lead the Back of House team at our flagship Recess location in Denver's Lower Highlands neighborhood.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, leads by example, and takes pride in building strong teams and efficient operations. You'll oversee the daily management of the kitchen, ensuring consistent food quality, efficient execution, and a clean, organized workspace while fostering a positive, accountable team culture. You'll work closely with our Executive Chef to execute an established menu, recipes, and plating standards while helping ensure consistency and operational excellence every day.

As our company continues to grow, this position offers the opportunity to help build a strong Back of House team and grow into future leadership opportunities within the organization.

What You'll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop the Back of House team while fostering a positive, accountable work environment.
• Manage daily kitchen operations to ensure consistent food quality, speed of service, and food safety standards.
• Create and manage weekly kitchen schedules while monitoring labor costs and staffing needs.
• Place food and supply orders, manage inventory levels, and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Control food costs through proper ordering, inventory management, portion control, and waste reduction.
• Train and onboard new kitchen team members on recipes, procedures, and company standards.
• Execute and uphold our established menu, recipes, prep procedures, and plating standards in partnership with our Executive Chef.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and health code-compliant kitchen at all times.
• Collaborate with Front of House leadership to ensure smooth communication and efficient service.
• Partner with our Executive Chef on menu rollouts, recipe execution, and continuous operational improvements.
• Support hiring, performance management, coaching, and accountability for kitchen staff.
• Step in wherever needed to support the team and ensure successful day-to-day operations.

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of kitchen leadership or restaurant management experience, preferably in a high-volume environment.
• Proven experience managing kitchen staff, scheduling, inventory, and food cost controls.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and Colorado health department standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Ability to effectively coach, motivate, and hold team members accountable.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, and vendor relations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Calm, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to perform under pressure.
• Passion for quality, consistency, and creating a positive kitchen culture.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Reliable transportation.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal candidate is someone who can confidently lead the kitchen through a busy lunch rush, packed service, or unexpected challenge while keeping the team organized, motivated, and focused. They lead by example, communicate clearly under pressure, and create a culture of accountability, consistency, and collaboration. Success in this role means delivering high-quality food, maintaining efficient kitchen operations, developing a strong Back of House team, and partnering closely with our Executive Chef to ensure every dish meets Recess standards.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Range: $24–$28 hourly, depending on experience, qualifications, and leadership background.

Benefits & Perks

• Employee discounts
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms
• HSA Account
• Life, Accident, Cancer, Critical Illness, Hospital Supplemental
• Leadership development and mentorship
• Opportunity to support future openings and expansion projects
• Growth opportunities within an expanding restaurant group
• Paid-Time Off
• Up to 48 hours of paid sick and safe leave per year, accrued in accordance with Colorado law
• Up to 80 hours of Public Health Emergency (PHE) leave in accordance with Colorado law

Additional Compensation Information

• This position is hourly.
• Discretionary performance-based bonuses may be available based on individual and/or company performance. Bonus opportunities are not guaranteed and may vary from year to year.

How to Apply

Interested candidates may apply directly through this posting or apply in person at Recess Beer Garden: 2715 17th St., #103, Denver, CO, 80211

Hiring Timeline

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning September 14, 2026.
• Early applications are encouraged
• We will continue accepting and reviewing applications through September 22, 2026.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person