Kitchen Operations Manager

Job Description Job Summary: Suya Verse Grillhouse is looking for a Kitchen Operations Manager to lead and elevate our back-of-house operations for a bold, high-energy Nigerian street food concept. From perfectly cooked food to fast-moving ticket times, this role ensures every plate reflects our culture, flavor, and standard of excellence. You'll be responsible for building efficient systems, maintaining food safety, and leading a team that delivers both speed and quality.

What You'll Do: Kitchen Operations & Flow ("From Grill to Guest")Optimize kitchen workflow from prep to grill to plating Ensure suya, grilled meats, and signature dishes are served hot, fresh, and consistent Identify and eliminate bottlenecks that slow down service Maintain speed during peak hours without sacrificing quality Labor & Team Leadership Manage staffing using Labor-to-Sales (LTS) targets Build schedules that support both busy nights and slower shifts Lead, coach, and hold kitchen staff accountable to high standards Create a strong, disciplined, and team-oriented kitchen culture Inventory & Food Cost Control Enforce FIFO (First-In, First-Out) across all ingredients Reduce waste on high-value proteins (beef, chicken, ram) and produce Maintain tight control on food cost and inventory levels Ensure proper seasoning, marination, and storage standards Restaurant Technology & Order Accuracy Oversee POS, Kitchen Display System (KDS), and delivery platforms Ensure accurate and timely execution of dine-in and online orders Reduce missed items, wrong orders, and delays Food Safety & Compliance (Non-Negotiable)Implement and enforce HACCP food safety systems Maintain temperature logs for meats, grills, and holding stations Prevent cross-contamination and enforce allergen protocols Ensure full compliance with local health codes and OSHA standards Safety & Risk Management Conduct daily and weekly "Safety Walks" in the kitchen Maintain grill safety, fire suppression systems, and equipment standards Train staff on emergency procedures (fire, injury, food safety incidents)Manage incident reports and Workers' Compensation processes What We're Looking For 3+ years of kitchen or restaurant management experience Strong understanding of food safety (HACCP knowledge a plus)Proven ability to manage labor, food cost, and kitchen systems Strong leadership presence firm, fair, and consistent Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment Bonus If You Have Experience with African, Caribbean, or bold-flavor cuisines Experience managing delivery-heavy restaurant operations Passion for culture-driven food conceptsEXPERIENCE WITH AFRICAN

FOOD HIGHLY DESIRED Pay & Benefits: Competitive salary (based on experience)Performance-based bonuses tied to efficiency and cost control Growth opportunities Employee meals and team perks Company Description About Suyaverse Grillhouse Suyaverse Grillhouse is an Austin-based Nigerian and African grill restaurant built around the art of fire, spice, and bold West African flavor. Our kitchen is home to signature suya - expertly spiced, wood-smoked skewered meats - alongside staples like Jollof Rice, Grilled Fish, and Pepper Soup, plus creative fusion plates like Suya Tacos and Suya Burgers. We take our craft seriously: every dish is rooted in tradition but open to innovation. If you're a chef who loves working with bold seasonings, live fire, and a menu that tells a story, Suyaverse is your kitchen. We operate Wednesday through Sunday and are looking for culinary talent that brings both skill and soul to the grill.

Company Description: About Suyaverse Grillhouse Suyaverse Grillhouse is an Austin-based Nigerian and African grill restaurant built around the art of fire, spice, and bold West African flavor. Our kitchen is home to signature suya - expertly spiced, wood-smoked skewered meats - alongside staples like Jollof Rice, Grilled Fish, and Pepper Soup, plus creative fusion plates like Suya Tacos and Suya Burgers. We take our craft seriously: every dish is rooted in tradition but open to innovation. If you're a chef who loves working with bold seasonings, live fire, and a menu that tells a story, Suyaverse is your kitchen. We operate Wednesday through Sunday and are looking for culinary talent that brings both skill and soul to the grill.