Kitchen Manager

Job Details

Chama Mama | New York City

About Chama Mama

At Chama Mama, we do more than serve food and beverages—we preserve culture, create memorable experiences, and bring people together through genuine hospitality.

Inspired by the rich traditions of Georgia, the birthplace of wine, Chama Mama brings authentic Georgian cuisine and exceptional hospitality to New York City with a modern approach while honoring centuries-old recipes, culinary craftsmanship, and Georgian traditions. Every guest experience reflects our commitment to quality, authenticity, and the Georgian belief that "A Guest Is a Gift from God."

Today, Chama Mama continues to grow across New York City through multiple restaurant locations, a centralized Culinary Lab, bakery operations, and catering services. As we expand, we are looking for passionate hospitality professionals and leaders who take pride in developing strong teams, maintaining exceptional standards, and creating memorable guest experiences.

Who You Are

As a  Kitchen Manager , you are more than someone who manages kitchen operations—you are a hands-on leader, coach, and ambassador of Chama Mama's culinary standards and culture.

You understand that a successful kitchen requires organization, consistency, accountability, teamwork, and strong leadership. You take pride in developing your team, maintaining exceptional food quality, controlling inventory and waste, and ensuring the kitchen is fully prepared to execute every service successfully.

You thrive in a fast-paced restaurant environment, remain calm under pressure, and lead by example. You understand how strong BOH operations directly impact the guest experience and work closely with both culinary and FOH leadership to ensure every dish leaving the kitchen reflects Chama Mama's standards.

What You'll Do

Lead Kitchen Operations

• Oversee daily BOH operations and ensure smooth, organized, and efficient kitchen execution.
• Lead and supervise the kitchen team throughout preparation and service.
• Manage kitchen-specific procedures and systems to optimize workflow and reduce inefficiencies.
• Monitor kitchen ticket times and ensure service goals are consistently achieved.
• Maintain appropriate prep and par levels to ensure the kitchen is fully prepared for service without unnecessary overproduction.
• Follow and maintain required daily and weekly operational checklists.
• Identify operational challenges and work proactively with leadership to develop solutions.

Maintain Exceptional Food Quality

• Ensure food preparation, execution, and presentation consistently meet Chama Mama standards.
• Maintain consistency in recipes, portion sizes, preparation techniques, and plating.
• Monitor food quality throughout preparation and service.
• Ensure all recipes and companywide culinary standards are followed consistently.
• Work closely with culinary leadership on seasonal menu changes, new recipes, and menu execution.
• Ensure every dish leaving the kitchen reflects Chama Mama's commitment to quality and authenticity.

Manage Inventory & Control Waste

• Conduct regular inventory counts and audits to maintain accurate tracking of kitchen supplies.
• Manage prep and par systems to maintain appropriate product levels.
• Monitor food usage and waste and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Coordinate deliveries and ensure products received meet company freshness and quality standards.
• Ensure proper receiving, labeling, dating, storage, and rotation of all ingredients.
• Maintain organized storage areas and proper inventory practices.
• Support company food-cost and waste-management goals.

Champion Food Safety & Cleanliness

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment at all times.
• Develop, implement, and follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules.
• Ensure proper sanitation, labeling, storage, and handling of all food products.
• Conduct regular kitchen inspections to ensure compliance with Department of Health standards.
• Ensure the kitchen remains prepared for DOH inspections and internal audits.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and coordinate necessary maintenance and repairs to prevent operational disruptions.
• Ensure compliance with all company food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.

Develop & Support Your Team

• Lead by example and create a respectful, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen environment.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and development of BOH team members.
• Ensure new employees understand Chama Mama's kitchen procedures, recipes, standards, and expectations.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and support to kitchen employees.
• Identify training and development opportunities for team members.
• Hold the team accountable for performance, attendance, cleanliness, food quality, and operational standards.
• Encourage teamwork, communication, and continuous improvement.

Collaborate Across the Restaurant

• Work closely with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership to maintain companywide culinary standards.
• Collaborate with restaurant management to ensure strong overall restaurant operations.
• Partner with FOH managers to align kitchen production with guest service needs.
• Maintain clear communication between BOH and FOH teams throughout service.
• Support special events, catering needs, high-volume services, and other operational priorities.
• Communicate operational concerns, staffing needs, inventory issues, and equipment needs to leadership promptly.

What You'll Receive

At Chama Mama, we believe strong leaders build strong teams. We invest in hospitality professionals who take ownership, care about their people, and are committed to continuous growth.

As a Kitchen Manager, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• Paid Time Off.
• Employee dining discounts.
• Structured training and professional development.
• Leadership development and opportunities for career advancement.
• Opportunities for growth within our expanding restaurant group.
• The opportunity to learn, lead, and share authentic Georgian hospitality, cuisine, and culture.

Our Leadership Principles

At Chama Mama, every team member lives by a few simple beliefs:

• A Guest Is a Gift from God.
• Hospitality Begins with Genuine Care.
• Quality Is Never an Accident.
• Respect Every Team Member.
• Learn Something Every Day.
• Lead by Example, Regardless of Your Position.

Why Chama Mama?

Joining Chama Mama means becoming part of a growing hospitality company with a clear vision for the future. We are building more than restaurants—we are building careers, developing future leaders, preserving Georgian culture, and creating unforgettable guest experiences every day.

As a Kitchen Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead and develop a team, strengthen restaurant operations, work alongside experienced culinary and hospitality leaders, and grow professionally as Chama Mama continues to expand.

If you're passionate about culinary operations, developing strong teams, maintaining exceptional standards, and creating memorable guest experiences through outstanding food and hospitality, we'd love to meet you.

Grow with Chama Mama. Lead with Purpose. Inspire Through Hospitality.

Chama Mama is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.