Kitchen Manager / Head Chef Job Overview

We’re looking for an experienced, motivated, and dependable Kitchen Manager / Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at Water Valley Saloon — your local spot for good food, cold drinks, and familiar faces.

Located in Water Valley, this role is perfect for someone who is passionate about food, confident in their leadership abilities, and ready to take ownership of a busy, community-focused kitchen. We’re looking for someone who can not only deliver consistently great food but also build, motivate, and develop a strong kitchen team.

As our Kitchen Manager / Head Chef, you’ll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu development, inventory management, food costing, labour management, and team leadership. You'll work closely with ownership to maintain high standards, improve efficiency, and help shape the future of our kitchen.

Please note: Reliable transportation to and from Water Valley is required.

Salary: $55,000–$75,000 per year, plus tips and bonus opportunities.

Previous kitchen management experience is required, with 3+ years of management experience preferred.

What You’ll Do

- Oversee all day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service
- Lead, train, motivate, and develop a robust, dependable kitchen team
- Recruit, hire, and onboard kitchen staff as needed
- Create a positive, productive, and team-focused kitchen environment
- Develop, design, and update menus while maintaining quality, consistency, and profitability
- Manage food costing, recipe pricing, portion control, and overall kitchen profitability
- Oversee inventory management, ordering,



receiving, and stock rotation
- Monitor food costs, minimize waste, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency
- Manage kitchen labour costs, staff scheduling, and staffing levels based on business needs
- Maintain high standards for food quality, preparation, presentation, and consistency
- Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations are consistently followed
- Establish and maintain efficient kitchen systems, procedures, and organization
- Lead by example and work alongside the team during busy service periods
- Troubleshoot operational challenges and make confident decisions under pressure
- Collaborate with ownership and front-of-house management to improve operations and the overall guest experience
- Take ownership of kitchen performance and continuously look for opportunities to grow and improve

What We’re Looking For

- Strong restaurant kitchen experience, including previous kitchen management experience
- 3+ years of kitchen management or leadership experience preferred
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and build a successful kitchen team
- Strong knowledge of inventory management, food costing, menu development, and labour management
- Experience creating and implementing profitable, well-executed menus




- Confidence managing kitchen budgets, controlling costs, and improving operational efficiency
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills
- Ability to make decisions independently and take ownership of kitchen operations
- A hands-on leadership style with a willingness to jump in wherever needed
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with ownership and front-of-house staff
- Attention to detail and a commitment to food quality, consistency, and presentation
- A positive, dependable attitude and a genuine interest in developing others
- Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
- Food Safe certification required (or willingness to obtain)
- Reliable transportation to and from Water Valley

What We Offer

- Competitive annual salary of $55,000–$75,000, based on experience
- Tips in addition to base salary
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- The opportunity to take ownership of the kitchen and make a meaningful impact on the business
- Creative input and flexibility in menu development and kitchen operations
- The opportunity to build and lead your own kitchen team
- A supportive, collaborative working relationship with ownership
- Room for professional growth within a locally owned and operated business
- A welcoming, community-focused environment where your ideas and leadership are valued

How to Apply

Apply through Indeed or send your resume to:

[email protected]

Pay: $55,000.00-$75,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Kitchen Manager/Head Chef (Water Valley)
🏢 Water Valley Saloon
📍 Water Valley