Kitchen Manager

Job description

Bar Soleil is an all-day fast-casual café and wine bar opening in Chelsea. Our compact kitchen will produce fresh sandwiches, bowls, salads, egg dishes, grab-and-go items and evening aperitivo snacks, with an emphasis on quality, consistency and efficient execution.

We are looking for a motivated, hands-on Kitchen Manager to help build and lead the kitchen from opening day. This could be an excellent opportunity for an experienced Kitchen Manager or for a strong Lead Line Cook or Kitchen Supervisor ready to move into a management role.

The position pays $25.00 per hour, equivalent to approximately $52,000 annually at 40 hours per week. All hours over 40 in a workweek are overtime eligible and paid in accordance with federal and New York law.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead daily prep, hot-line and cold-line execution.
• Train, schedule and support the kitchen team.
• Maintain recipes, portion standards, prep pars and quality-control systems.
• Own ordering, receiving, storage, FIFO practices and inventory counts.
• Monitor food cost, waste, kitchen labor and daily production needs.
• Maintain DOH, food-safety, sanitation and cleaning standards.
• Lead kitchen opening and closing procedures and help establish systems before launch.
• Coordinate closely with front-of-house management to deliver accurate and timely service.
• Work hands-on alongside the team during prep and service.

We’re a small, growing team, so everyone pitches in. We’re looking for people who are happy to help out, support their teammates, and get involved wherever needed.

What we’re looking for

• At least two years of professional kitchen experience, including experience as a Kitchen Manager, Kitchen Supervisor, Sous Chef, Shift Lead or Lead Line Cook. We are open to an experienced lead cook who is ready to take the next step into kitchen management.
• Ability to work efficiently and stay organized in a fast-paced environment
• Solid understanding of food safety and kitchen operations
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Positive, team-oriented attitude
• Flexible schedule, including mornings, weekends, and evenings
• Experience with ordering, inventory, prep planning and basic food-cost control.
• Comfortable training and directing a small kitchen team.
• Opening experience is helpful but not required.
• NYC Food Protection Certificate, or ability to obtain it before opening.

What’s in it for you

• $25.00/hour, equivalent to approximately $52,000 annually at 40 hours per week.
• Overtime eligibility for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
• Up to $600/month in employer-funded ICHRA reimbursements toward eligible individual health insurance premiums, subject to plan terms and proof of qualifying coverage. Eligible employees will receive an invitation to enroll on their start date. Participation begins once enrollment is completed in accordance with the plan terms, and reimbursements are available only for months in which the employee has active qualifying individual health insurance coverage.
• $2,000 sign-on bonus: $1,000 after 30 days and $1,000 after 90 days.
• Annual performance bonus with a $2,500 target and opportunity to earn up to $5,000, evaluated and paid quarterly under a written bonus plan.
• 10 days/80 hours of paid time off annually.
• Four paid holidays or floating holiday days annually.
• Complimentary shift meal from the designated staff menu, plus coffee during each shift, beginning when the café opens.
• Employer-paid NYC Food Protection Certificate course and examination if needed.
• Opportunity for expanded responsibility as Bar Soleil grows.

About the team

We’re building a team that cares about quality, takes pride in their work, and supports one another. We value people who are positive, reliable, and willing to jump in wherever needed—because great service is always a team effort.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to stand for extended periods, move quickly in a fast-paced environment, and perform tasks such as bending, reaching, and lifting items (up to 25 lbs regularly and occasionally up to 50 lbs). These requirements can be met with or without reasonable accommodations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bar Soleil is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.