Job Abstract

Join Our Team and thrive as an Executive Kitchen Manager at Uncle Julio's!

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic team in an upscale casual dining environment? Uncle Julio's Restaurant Group is seeking experienced and passionate managers to join our team and help us create Mexican memories for our guests.

The Executive Kitchen Manager role is pivotal in our organization, embodying exceptional leadership qualities as a head of the restaurant, a brand ambassador, and the driving force behind our kitchen operations. Working closely with the General Manager, you will play a vital role as a key member of our leadership team. Your expertise in kitchen operations, including ordering, troubleshooting, and developing the kitchen staff, will be crucial. Upholding our high-quality standards, ensuring the efficiency of our kitchen systems, and managing the financial aspects of the back of the house will be your responsibilities.

To thrive in this role, you must be driven by standards, demonstrate unwavering integrity, maintain professionalism when interacting with crew members and guests, and approach problem-solving with a positive mindset.

Why Uncle Julio’s?

Pride in the brand: At Uncle Julio's, we have a heritage of using only the freshest ingredients and highest quality food in a scratch kitchen. You can take pride in serving our guests top-notch Tex-Mex cuisine made with premium ingredients, creative and innovative menu offerings, and exceptional presentation and flavor profiles.

Growth opportunities: Uncle Julio's is a growing company with a management career ladder, consistently opening 2-3 restaurants each year. Join us and be part of a brand that is on the rise, offering opportunities for career advancement and professional development.

Competitive salary and benefits: We value our team and offer a very competitive salary and benefits package subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions, including health insurance, disability insurance, retirement plans, paid-time-off, dining discounts and more.

Work-life balance: As a manager at Uncle Julio's, you will enjoy a 5-day workweek, averaging 50 hours per week, giving you the opportunity to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Complete opening and closing duties as assigned to set up the day for success.
• Create prep lists for all kitchen crew.
• Support the preparation of all food items for meal period and next service.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned station and service areas.
• Troubleshoot any deficiencies of food items and/or any maintenance needs or safety hazards.
• Develop all kitchen crew for cross training and promotion.
• Lead all roll out programs to the menu, seasonal items, and recipe changes.
• Write/Approve the schedule for Kitchen crew by forecasting business trends, outside elements, performance measures.
• Perform Monthly End of Period inventory (all kitchen)
• Interface and communicate with GM on financial responsibilities and results.
• Ensure that all food products meet company recipe specifications for preparation and quality.
• Inspect and approve dishes before they go to guest tables.  Examine and assess the quality of ingredients and presentation.
• Interface and communicate with GM and RCA on recipe adherence.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans for kitchen operations and assume full responsibility for their successful execution.
• Interview and select new kitchen crew.
• Conduct annual performance reviews on kitchen crew and Assistant Kitchen Manager
• Interact with Guests - table visits, complaints, special requests.
• Take the lead in conducting and overseeing MIT (Manager-in-Training) training sessions,
• Lead kitchen crew meetings.

Essential Skills:

• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with guests, staff, and management.
• Maintain comprehensive understanding of the menu, including the ingredients, preparation methods, presentation standards, and any special items.
• Ability to lead, guide and motivate the front-of-house crew, including the ability to delegate tasks, provide constructive feedback, and inspire teamwork.
• Adept at resolving guest issues and complaints, handling unexpected situations, and making operational decisions that enhance guest experience and optimize efficiency.
• Attention to detail to maintain high standards of cleanliness, table setup, and overall ambiance in the dining room.
• Exceptional guest service skills are fundamental, with the ability to be attentive, responsive, and capable of building strong relationships with guests, addressing their needs, and resolving any issues that arise.
• Strong understanding of financial aspects such as budgeting, cost control, and revenue management
• Adaptable, flexible, and resilient, able to handle pressure and changing circumstances with a positive attitude.
• Knowledge of health and safety standards and ability to ensure a safe environment for guests and crew.

Qualifications:

• At least 21 years of age.
• At least 2 years of kitchen management experience.
• Experience driving results in terms of kitchen metrics and financial goals. 
• Demonstrated track record of maintaining long-term employment and stability in current and previous positions. 
• College degree in a related field, i.e., business or hotel and restaurant management, preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including standing for extended periods, lifting heavy objects, and performing tasks that require strength and stamina, including:
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs., 10-20 is typical.
• Ability to carry product up to 120 feet.
• Ability to reach up to 6 feet, 2-4 is typical.
• Ability to work off counter heights of 36 - 42 inches.
• Ability to move through 24-inch aisles and spaces as small as 12 inches.

Uncle Julio's Restaurant Group, parent to Uncle Julio's, Hacienda Colorado, and Savage Burrito, is known for made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine, using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes to create its signature taste. With a successful track record over the past 30 years and 43 restaurants in twelve states, Uncle Julio’s restaurants are defining the polished casual Mexican industry and continues to expand.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Uncle Julio’s bases all employment decisions, including selection of employees and the job advancement of employees, on an individual’s qualifications, aptitude, and experience for the position, as well as satisfactory references. The Company does not discriminate with respect to terms and conditions of employment on the basis of a person’s race, creed, color, religion, age, gender, genetic information, national origin, sex, uniform service, veteran status, protected disability, and any other category protected under federal or state law. This policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, and all other terms and conditions of employment