Kitchen Manager / Chef

Chef / Kitchen Leader

(BBQ, Smoker, & FullService Experience)

BHAWK is seeking a hands-on, high-accountability Chef/Kitchen Leader who embodies the American spirit of grit, pride, and craftsmanship. We are a brand built on hospitality, consistency, and heart — and we’re looking for a culinary leader who reflects those values in every plate, every shift, every day.

This is not a clipboard or office-only chef role. We need someone who leads from the front, builds systems that last, and takes ownership of the kitchen from menu development to execution, team leadership, and cost control. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, take pride in your work, and believe in elevating both people and product, you’ll feel right at home here.

About the Role

The Chef/Kitchen Leader will oversee all culinary operations and help shape the future of BHAWK’s food program. From BBQ and smoker-driven offerings to plated dinners and buffet service, this role requires a chef who can deliver consistency, creativity, and operational excellence across multiple service styles.

You will be responsible for building a kitchen culture rooted in discipline, teamwork, and pride — a kitchen that runs clean, organized, and efficient. You’ll work closely with ownership to align menu direction, cost control, and guest experience with the BHAWK mission.

 Key Responsibilities

Menu Development & Culinary Direction

• Create and develop menus across multiple service styles
  (BBQ/smoker, casual to elevated dining, buffet to plated service)
• Build recipes, portion guides, and plating standards
• Maintain brand identity while innovating and controlling costs

Kitchen Operations & Execution

• Oversee all daily kitchen operations: prep, execution, cleanliness, organization
• Ensure consistent quality, temperature, and presentation of all dishes
• Maintain a safe, efficient, and compliant kitchen environment
• Implement systems that support speed, consistency, and accountability

Inventory, Ordering & Cost Control

• Manage food cost, portioning, and pricing to maintain profitability
• Handle inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships
• Track waste, maintain accurate par levels, and monitor usage

Leadership, Training & Culture

• Train, develop, and mentor kitchen staff
• Hold the team accountable to standards and systems
• Build a culture of pride, respect, and teamwork
• Lead by example — hands-on, present, and solutions-oriented

Collaboration & Alignment

• Work closely with ownership/management to align menu, costs, and operations
• Support events, catering, and special projects
• Communicate clearly and professionally across departments

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Skills

• Proven experience as a Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar leadership role
• Strong background in BBQ and smoker cooking
• Experience with both buffet and plated service
• Solid understanding of food costing, inventory, and ordering systems
• Ability to build structure and improve kitchen organization

Qualities That Matter

• Hands-on, reliable, and solutions-oriented
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• High personal standards for cleanliness, organization, and consistency
• Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing needs

What Matters Most at BHAWK

• Ownership — You run the kitchen like it’s yours
• Pride — You care about the craft, the team, and the guest experience
• Consistency — You build systems that last and uphold them daily
• Teamwork — You elevate the people around you
• American Spirit — Grit, hard work, and hospitality at the core

If you’re ready to build something meaningful, lead with purpose, and bring the BHAWK mission to life through food, we’d love to meet you.