Kitchen Lead/Manager

About the Role

Chaka s Plantbaed Cafe is a whole-food plant-based concept opening in Serenbe, Georgia one of the most intentional wellness communities in the Southeast. We are looking for a hands-on Kitchen Manager who leads by doing. This is a small, high-quality operation. Everyone cooks. The Kitchen Manager sets the standard for execution, consistency, and culture in the kitchen. This role also carries responsibility for community relationships, catering coordination, and building the business beyond the four walls of the cafe. This is a working kitchen lead role. Candidates must have active line cooking experience and be comfortable working the line daily alongside the team. Management experience alone without hands-on kitchen experience will not be considered.

What You ll Do

Lead and work the line alongside your team every shift this is a hands-on role

Oversee menu execution, portion control, food quality, and plating standards

Train and develop the kitchen team

Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, and PAR levels

Coordinate and execute specialty vendor pickups several vendors do not deliver and require designated in-person pickup runs specialty food items

Ensure food safety compliance ServSafe Food Manager Certification required

Coordinate catering orders and manage catering contracts and execution

Build and maintain community outreach relationships schools, corporate accounts, local organizations, and event partnerships

Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen at all times

Uphold brand standards on every plate, every shift

What We re Looking For

3+ years kitchen management experience in fast-casual, caf , or restaurant environment

Experience in catering coordination and catering contract management

Community outreach experience school programs, corporate accounts, or institutional partnerships strongly preferred

ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or willing to obtain before start)

Strong leadership you lead by example, not just by title

Openness to whole-food plant-based cooking plant-based lifestyle not required

Requirements

Valid Georgia Food Handler Certificate

ServSafe Food Manager Certification

Background check required

Signed Confidentiality & Non-Replication Agreement