Kitchen Manager

Description:

PERSONE NYC, a leading hospitality recruitment firm, is hiring a Head Chef / Chef Operator for an exciting and rapidly growing taco counter concept in Midtown, New York City. This is not your typical kitchen job—it’s an opportunity to take on a dual leadership role that merges hands-on culinary expertise with front-of-house operational management, ideal for a bilingual professional passionate about authentic Mexican cuisine and dynamic hospitality operations.

As the Chef Operator, you’ll lead a dedicated team of over 20 employees in a fast-paced, high-volume setting featuring a 12–15 seat taco counter with heavy takeout and delivery traffic. You will be responsible for driving both culinary excellence and business growth, while maintaining a vibrant, inclusive culture that embodies authenticity and teamwork.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Kitchen Operations: Oversee food preparation, inventory management, ordering, and kitchen execution with consistency and quality.

• Team Management: Supervise and mentor a team of 20+ employees, handle scheduling, payroll, and ensure a motivating and collaborative work environment.

• Operational Leadership: Manage both FOH and BOH functions to ensure smooth, efficient daily operations in a busy Midtown taco counter.

• Business Growth: Drive sales, build repeat customer relationships with both locals and tourists, and manage profit margins effectively.

• Quality and Compliance: Ensure adherence to food safety, health, and operational standards, streamlining processes for efficiency.

• Customer Experience: Foster a hospitality-first culture, inspiring the team to deliver excellent service and authentic Mexican flavors consistently.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Expertise in Mexican cuisine and taco preparation.

• Strong background in restaurant operations, including ordering, cost control, and payroll management.

• Bilingual (Spanish and English) – essential for team communication and guest interaction.

• Proven ability to thrive in high-volume, small-format restaurants.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with hands-on leadership and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to maintain a balanced 45–50 hour work week while ensuring operational excellence.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 annually ($6,667 – $7,500 monthly)

• Profit Sharing / Bonus Opportunities: Up to 10% annually

• Healthcare Credit: $5,000 annually (added to payroll for flexibility in marketplace coverage)

• Paid Time Off: 3 weeks PTO

• Opportunity to take full operational ownership in a growing business with strong support and career advancement potential.

Why Join PERSONE NYC:

This role offers an exceptional opportunity to lead and grow within a fast-expanding Midtown concept. You’ll have creative control, financial incentives, and professional growth potential, while enjoying a supportive and balanced work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and authentic hospitality.