Kitchen Manager in Thousand Oaks, California at Neighborly Ops LLC

Salary: $70,000–$85,000 annually (based on experience)

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Sick Time

• Career Growth & Development

• Leadership Development Opportunities

Neighborly isn't just another restaurant.

We're building the gathering place every neighborhood deserves.

Every day, we bring together chef-driven, scratch-made food, genuine hospitality, and an environment where guests feel like they belong. Behind every great guest experience is an exceptional kitchen team—and that's where you come in.

We're looking for a Kitchen Manager who thrives in fast-paced environments, loves developing people, and wants to help build something from the ground up.

As a growing startup, things move quickly. Processes evolve. New ideas are encouraged. Success comes from leaders who take initiative, solve problems before they're asked, and aren't afraid of a little ambiguity.

If you're looking for a role where you can make an impact—not just manage a kitchen—you'll fit right in.

You'll partner closely with the Executive Kitchen Manager to lead all aspects of our kitchen operation, ensuring every dish reflects Neighborly's commitment to exceptional quality, consistency, and hospitality.

You'll be responsible for:

• Leading daily kitchen operations

• Developing, coaching, and inspiring kitchen team members

• Ordering, inventory management, and food cost control

• Maintaining food safety and sanitation standards

• Monitoring ticket times and kitchen execution

• Driving labor efficiency and productivity

• Reducing waste through proper prep, rotation, and portioning

• Maintaining equipment and kitchen organization

• Building systems and continuously improving operational processes

Most importantly, you'll create an environment where your team enjoys coming to work and takes pride in every plate leaving the kitchen.

We don't believe in shortcuts.

Our kitchens prepare food from scratch every day using thoughtfully sourced ingredients and chef-developed recipes. Every prep list, every sauce, every vegetable, and every protein matters because our guests can taste the difference.

You'll lead a team that takes pride in craftsmanship and understands that consistency is what builds loyal guests.

You're someone who naturally takes ownership.

You don't wait to be told what needs attention—you see opportunities and act.

You enjoy coaching others, staying organized, solving problems, and keeping calm when things get busy.

You thrive in environments that are changing and growing because you enjoy building better systems rather than simply maintaining existing ones.

You probably have:

• Restaurant leadership experience

• High-volume kitchen experience

• Strong communication skills

• A sense of urgency without sacrificing quality

• A collaborative leadership style

• Experience coaching and developing teams

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Whether you're ready for your first Kitchen Manager opportunity or you're an experienced operator looking for a company with room to grow, we'd love to meet you. Compensation is based on experience, leadership capability, and the value you'll bring to our team.

• 2+ years of restaurant leadership experience

• High-volume restaurant experience preferred

• Restaurant365 (R365) experience is a plus

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

• Ability to bend, reach, carry, and perform repetitive motions

• Ability to work around common food allergens

We're building more than restaurants—we're building careers.

As a growing company, there are opportunities to grow alongside us. We believe great leaders are developed through coaching, ownership, and real responsibility.

If you're excited by scratch cooking, developing people, building systems, and helping shape a company that's just getting started, we'd love to meet you.

Come help us build the gathering place every neighborhood deserves.