Kitchen Manager in Chicago, Illinois at 16 On Center

About Us:

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.

Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary

As the Kitchen Manager at 16 On Center HQ, you will support the day-to-day kitchen operations for one of our concepts. This is a hands-on role that works directly alongside the kitchen team during prep and service while helping maintain food quality, organization, cleanliness, and consistency. The Kitchen Manager will support staff development, communicate with both FOH and BOH teams, and help ensure the kitchen operates efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervise, schedule, and actively participate in daily kitchen operations as a working manager
• Work alongside the kitchen team during service to ensure smooth execution and consistency
• Lead by example in maintaining food quality, presentation, and cleanliness standards
• Train, support, and develop line cooks and kitchen staff on an ongoing basis
• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen environment
• Maintain clear communication and working relationships with both FOH and BOH teams
• Coordinate with the team regarding prep needs, inventory levels, and ordering timelines
• Monitor product quality, prep levels, and production flow throughout service
• Conduct daily line, cooler, and dry storage checks to ensure proper rotation, freshness, and organization
• Help minimize waste while maintaining health and sanitation standards
• Enforce cleanliness, safety procedures, and all applicable sanitation and health regulations
• Ensure kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained, and used properly by all staff
• Assist with inventory, ordering, receiving, and overall food cost management
• Complete and oversee all opening and closing kitchen duties
• Monitor ticket times, plate presentation, and overall line performance during peak service periods
• Communicate scheduling needs, staffing concerns, and operational updates with management
• Adapt to menu updates, seasonal changes, and evolving operational needs

About You:

• 1+ year of kitchen leadership, lead line cook, or supervisory experience preferred
• Previous line cook experience and working knowledge of kitchen operations required
• Comfortable working as a hands-on manager and actively supporting the line during service
• Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to lead by example
• Ability to stay organized, multitask, and adapt in a fast-paced bar and hospitality environment
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen cleanliness standards
• Reliable, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach to daily operations
• Evening, late night, weekend, and holiday availability is required
• Able to stand and walk for extended periods, work in a fast-paced kitchen environment, and lift and carry up to 40 lbs as needed

• Job Type: Full-time, Hourly
• Compensation: $22/hour
• Paid leave and paid sick leave in accordance with Chicago requirements.
• Health insurance with employer contribution, plus voluntary dental, vision, life, short term disability, accident, and hospital coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match, once eligibility requirements are met.
• Dining discounts at 16 On Center properties and complimentary or discounted tickets to shows at 16 On Center venues, including Salt Shed, Thalia Hall, SPACE, and Empty Bottle, subject to availability.
• Transit benefits through a pre-tax payroll deduction program