Kitchen Supervisor – Opening Team in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts at Salty Dog

We’re a new, soon-to-open, independently owned upscale American tavern looking for a dependable, hands-on Kitchen Supervisor to join our opening team. We’re seeking an experienced cook and capable leader who takes pride in food quality, keeps the kitchen organized, and supports teammates through clear direction and encouragement.

We believe a great kitchen runs on teamwork, empathy, and mutual respect. You’ll help build a positive work environment where people communicate professionally, share knowledge, and work together to deliver consistent food and service.

• Supervise kitchen shifts and coordinate prep, station assignments, and service under the direction of restaurant leadership.
• Work alongside line cooks, stepping into stations and assisting with prep as needed.
• Ensure dishes meet established standards for recipes, portions, cooking temperatures, and presentation.
• Monitor ticket times and coordinate stations so orders are completed accurately and served together.
• Communicate clearly with front-of-house staff about timing, special requests, allergies, and product availability.
• Reinforce food safety, sanitation, allergen awareness, and cross-contact prevention procedures.
• Monitor food temperatures, storage, labeling, date marking, and product rotation.
• Check station readiness and maintain appropriate prep levels for service.
• Monitor inventory, communicate ordering needs, and help control waste.
• Oversee opening, closing, and cleaning checklists to keep the kitchen organized and ready for the next shift.
• Train and coach kitchen team members with patience, clear expectations, and constructive feedback.
• Address concerns calmly and respectfully, involving management when appropriate.
• Report equipment problems, safety concerns, staffing needs, and significant shift issues promptly.
• Participate in opening-team training, tastings, and pre-shift meetings.
• Lead by example through reliability, accountability, and a willingness to support the team.

• Previous kitchen leadership, supervisory, or lead cook experience.
• A minimum of four years of line cook experience required, supervisor experience preferred.
• Current Food Safety Manager certification required.
• Current Allergen Awareness certification required.
• Strong cooking skills and the ability to work multiple kitchen stations.
• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, temperature control, and allergen-handling procedures.
• A respectful, approachable leadership style grounded in empathy and teamwork.
• The ability to give clear direction, coach employees, and maintain consistent standards.
• Strong organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to stay composed and make sound decisions during busy service periods.
• Attention to food quality, cleanliness, inventory, and waste control.
• Enthusiasm for helping open a new restaurant and building a supportive kitchen culture.

This active kitchen role involves prolonged standing, frequent bending and reaching, frequent lifting of up to 20 pounds, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Work includes exposure to hot equipment, oil, steam, open flames, cleaning chemicals, and potentially slippery surfaces.

Help us build a kitchen where high standards and a supportive team go hand in hand.