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Working Kitchen Manager / Lead Cook (Ennis, MT - Subsidized Housing)
compensation:
Very Competitive
employment type:
full-time
experience level:
senior level
job title:
Kitchen Manager
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This is not an office or clipboard management job. We need a working Kitchen Manager who is happiest cooking on the line, leads by example, and sets the standard as the best, fastest, and most disciplined cook in the kitchen. If you take pride in running a tight, clean line, managing food costs, and leading a small BOH team from the front line, this role offers long-term stability without seasonal layoffs.
The theme of the restaurant is historical. It is Americana Food, Family Friendly, with Variety - well above the typical bar menu and it is unique in our area providing our local and vacationing clientele a very good experience. We are proud of its legacy and it is quite a popular theme. We are happy to let our new kitchen manager take it over and make it his/her own.
Core Responsibilities:
Working Line Leader: Lead and execute service on the line during peak shifts; set the standard for speed, plate presentation, consistency, and cooking technique.
Recipe, Portion & Cost Control: Develop, standardize, and cost out daily specials and core menu items (steaks, burgers, pub classics, prime rib, and lodge favorites). Audit prep yields and line portioning daily to minimize waste and manage Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).
Inventory, Ordering & Freight Inspection: Manage weekly inventory counts, maintain par levels, place primary food/beverage orders, and personally inspect incoming freight for quality, correct temperatures, and invoice accuracy before signing.
Equipment Maintenance & Health Compliance: Enforce strict health code compliance, daily temperature logging, and FIFO food rotation. Oversee routine preventive maintenance on line equipment, walk-ins, fryers, and hood systems to prevent breakdowns.
BOH Staff Leadership & Scheduling: Handle line cook scheduling, prep assignments, basic HR/hiring for kitchen personnel, and ongoing skill training to build a disciplined, reliable kitchen crew.
FOH Alignment & Ticket Flow: Run shift pre-meals with FOH service staff on daily specials, manage ticket timing and pass flow during peak rushes, and maintain a respectful, professional kitchen culture.
Kitchen Safety: Maintain safety protocols, slip-resistant standards, first aid readiness, and worker safety documentation.
Requirements:
5+ years of paid kitchen management, lead line cook, or sous chef experience in a high-volume restaurant, pub, or lodge setting.
Hands-On Mentality: Demonstrated history of working full line shifts alongside staff—not running service from an office.
Solid understanding of COGS management, food costing, inventory control, vendor logistics, and waste auditing.
Strong working knowledge of commercial line equipment maintenance, food safety protocols, and health department compliance.
Prior experience living or working in a small-town, rural, or mountain resort environment preferred (no small-town culture shock).
Benefits & Perks:
Subsidized Manager Housing.
Health insurance coverage.
Paid Time Off (PTO).
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Guaranteed year-round stability and competitive salary (no shoulder-season layoffs).
To Apply:
Submit your resume or detailed work history, along with a 2-to-3 sentence note detailing your experience working the line as a manager and why you are looking to relocate to Ennis, MT year-round.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.