Pit Master
Location: Horseshoe Bay, TXCompensation: $75,000 – $95,000 base salary + performance bonus + benefits
Position Summary
The Pit Master is responsible for building and leading the end-to-end barbecue program at Horseshoe Bay Sporting Club. This role combines culinary leadership, operational ownership, and hands-on pit execution. The successful candidate will design, implement, and maintain a high-quality barbecue program, including equipment selection, menu development, sourcing, team leadership, and quality standards.
This is a foundational role with full ownership of the program and strong support for execution.
Key Responsibilities
Program Development & Operations
- Design and implement the full barbecue program, including smoker specification, kitchen layout, and workflow
- Establish meat sourcing strategy, including vendor relationships, quality standards, and cost controls
- Develop and manage daily production schedules, prep cycles, and service execution
- Maintain consistent food quality and presentation standards
Menu Development
- Create and execute a cohesive barbecue menu including brisket, ribs, sides, and specialty items
- Ensure high-quality standards across all menu items, including sides and accompaniments
- Introduce seasonal offerings and continuously refine menu performance
Team Leadership & Training
- Recruit, hire, and develop kitchen and pit staff
- Establish training programs and documented standard operating procedures
- Foster a positive, respectful, and performance-driven team culture
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards
Build-Out & Implementation (Year One Focus)
- Collaborate with leadership on smokehouse design and construction
- Establish inventory systems, supplier processes, and operational workflows
- Support pre-opening activities, including testing, training, and launch readiness
- Partner with marketing on program identity and positioning
Qualifications
Required Experience
- Proven hands-on barbecue/pit experience in a high-quality environment
- Experience operating smokers and managing long cook processes
- Strong understanding of meat sourcing, preparation, and food quality standards
- Experience leading teams in a kitchen or food production environment
Preferred Background
- Experience as Lead or #2 Pit Master at a recognized barbecue program
- Experience building or launching a food or barbecue concept
- Competition barbecue or specialty craft experience
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to manage time-sensitive production processes
- Strong problem-solving and operational decision-making capability
- Passion for hospitality and guest experience
Working Conditions
- Full-time, on-site role
- Requires early mornings, evenings, weekends, and long cook cycles
- Physically demanding environment, including heat exposure and lifting
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary ($75,000 – $95,000)
- Performance-based bonus program
- Health insurance (company contribution)
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance (where applicable)
- Equipment and program investment support
Career Growth Opportunities
- Advancement to Named Pit Master with regional recognition
- Potential progression to Director of Barbecue across multiple locations
Equal Opportunity Statement
Horseshoe Bay Sporting Club is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics.