Brewing, Coaching, Communication Skills, Diversity, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Establish Priorities, FIFO, Food Presentation, Food Quality, Food Safety, Food Services, Inventory Planning, Leadership, Legal, Life Insurance, Mentoring, Operational Communications, Operations, Operations Management, Organizational Skills, Restaurant, Safety/Work Safety, Sanitation, Shipping/Receiving, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Team Player, Vision Plan, Waitressing
About Us:
High Flying Foods is an award-winning, family-owned restaurant group committed to elevating the airport dining experience. With over 25 locations across 7 major U.S. airports, we bring authentic local favorites directly to travelers without compromise. Our success is rooted in our people-both our dedicated team members and valued customers. As a passionate, fast-growing company, we're looking for motivated individuals who share our love for exceptional food and service. Join us in transforming airport dining!
Position Overview:
The Assistant Kitchen Manager supports the Kitchen Manager in leading the daily operations of the back-of-house kitchen serving New Belgium Brewing Restaurant at Denver International Airport. This role helps ensure exceptional food quality, safety, consistency, and efficient execution.
This position is ideal for an experienced Lead Line Cook or Shift Lead who is ready to take the next step into management. This role provides hands-on leadership during service, coaches and supports the kitchen team, reinforces established operating standards, and helps execute day-to-day operations.
What We Offer:
- Competitive Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 annually
- Quarterly Bonuses
- 401(k) retirement plan with 5% company match
- Free RTD EcoPass and free airport parking
- Free employee meals during shifts
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
- Paid Vacation: 10 days per year (accrued bi-weekly based on hours worked) and 24 hours per year for Floating Holiday
- Paid Sick Leave: Up to 56 hours annually (accrued bi-weekly based on hours worked)
- Up to 80 hours of Public Health Emergency leave (as declared)
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement
Responsibilities:
- Support the Kitchen Manager in the daily operation of the shared kitchen serving both restaurant concepts to ensure food quality, consistency, safety, and speed of service.
- Lead and direct the kitchen team during shifts by assigning stations, managing breaks, coordinating ticket flow, and providing real-time support.
- Follow and reinforce all recipes, portion standards, food presentation standards, and company operating procedures.
- Train, coach, and mentor team members to ensure consistent execution and adherence to company standards.
- Assist with inventory counts, product ordering, receiving deliveries, and proper product storage and rotation (FIFO).
- Ensure all kitchen stations are properly stocked, organized, and set up for service.
- Verify that all kitchen equipment is properly operated, cleaned, maintained, and broken down according to company standards.
- Complete opening and closing responsibilities, including kitchen communication, vendor deliveries, and other operational tasks as assigned.
- Assign and monitor daily cleaning tasks to ensure sanitation and food safety standards are consistently met.
- Step into production during busy periods to support the team and maintain service standards.
- Communicate staffing or operational concerns to the Kitchen Manager and assist with shift coverage when needed.
- Help maintain a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- 2+ years of experience in a high-volume restaurant kitchen
- Previous experience as a Lead Line Cook, Shift Lead, or similar kitchen leadership role preferred
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment
- Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to prioritize tasks and make sound decisions during high-volume service
- Experience with inventory, prep planning, and kitchen organization preferred
- Ability to operate standard kitchen equipment safely and demonstrate proper knife skills
- Food Handler's Card (or ability to obtain upon hire, as required by law)
- Open availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, twist, and lift throughout the duration of a shift
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced airport environment
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity:
We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Our dedication to fostering a diverse workforce goes beyond simply complying with legal standards. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we strive to create an environment where employees feel empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the table. High Flying Foods is an equal opportunity employer, and we are proud to offer a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis from June 26, 2026 through July 31, 2026.