Hotel Kitchen Manager

Pillar Kitchen & Bar at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Asheville is expanding its team at the onsite property in Asheville, NC. This full-time role supports a kitchen culture built on strong standards, professional teamwork, and reliable service during everyday operations and special events.

What you’ll do

• Oversee food preparation and service in the kitchen at all times, including during special events, ensuring quality is consistent and dependable.
• Manage kitchen opening and closing procedures.
• Plan and execute catering functions across the hotel as needed.
• Develop, establish, and monitor preparation procedures, policies, and recipes for food items.
• Prepare, cook, and present food efficiently and effectively.
• Conduct weekly kitchen meetings to review training and service standards.
• Control wastage through correct product measurement and tracking.
• Set performance standards and review team progress against those expectations.
• Evaluate all kitchen staff annually, completing detailed written evaluations for associates’ files.
• Create policies that increase motivation and help reduce turnover.
• Own stock control and monthly food inventory, including ordering, maintaining inventory levels and rotation, and returning sub-standard items.
• Supervise kitchen staff with scheduling and staffing aligned to business volume fluctuations.
• Maintain kitchen health, safety, cleanliness, and security, and ensure events are staffed appropriately according to licensing laws and hotel security procedures.
• Ensure food handling, food storage, and personal hygiene practices follow federal, state, local, and company regulations.
• Report regularly and meet with the General Manager to support departmental performance and keep the GM informed of relevant issues.
• Handle incidents involving complaints, accidents, loss, or damage, and take action where possible.
• Maintain professional relationships with internal teams, external customers, community officials, and local businesses.
• Support company perception internally and externally through professional, consistent conduct.
• Ensure standard operating procedures are achieved, monitored, and updated when necessary.
• Address guest feedback and complaints professionally and efficiently to minimize negative impressions.
• Attend company meetings as requested and complete other reasonable tasks assigned by management.
• Create and maintain kitchen reports, logs, and checklists.
• Manage kitchen-related office administration and third-party vendors.
• Monitor and report equipment maintenance issues and ensure resolution.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and selection of kitchen staff.
• Lead by example by communicating a vision of success, supporting a positive attitude and team environment, setting the pace and standards, and encouraging mutual respect.

Requirements

• Prior supervisory experience is required.
• Prior food and beverage experience is required.
• Prior Kitchen Manager experience is strongly preferred.
• State health and/or alcohol compliance card required.
• Knowledge of restaurant operations including budgeting, food preparation, purchasing, menus, and service.
• Knowledge of restaurant equipment including grills, hot burners, fryers, and open flames.
• Experience using a POS system and handling cash management.
• Customer-service oriented with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong initiative, work ethic, punctuality, reliability, and regular attendance.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail; ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent multi-tasking and decision-making skills, with competence in conflict and crisis management.
• Knowledgeable in banquet service techniques.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs; ability to stand, sit, stoop, bend, twist, and reach frequently.
• Valid driver’s license and Department of Motor Vehicles Report; must maintain eligibility for driving a company vehicle.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Location: In person (Asheville, NC)
Job type: Full-time
Technologies: POS system