Kitchen Manager

Early hours. High standards. No ego.

Smoque BBQ is hiring a Kitchen Prep Manager to run the morning prep operation at one of Chicago’s most respected BBQ restaurants. This is a full-time, early-morning leadership role (typically 6am–2pm, with occasional variation) responsible for overseeing all food prep that powers our high-volume lunch and dinner service.

This isn’t a culinary “create and innovate” role — it’s a get-it-done-right leadership role. You’ll be managing a team of 6 prep cooks and 1 dishwasher each morning to ensure all recipes are executed accurately, efficiently, and on schedule. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring smoker runs — getting meats in and out of the pits at the right times, with consistency and care.

What You’ll Do

Lead the daily prep operation and morning BOH team (6 prep cooks + 1 dishwasher)

Oversee execution of large-batch, recipe-driven prep — sauces, rubs, sides, etc.

Manage smoker timing — loading and unloading meats on schedule

Maintain prep timelines and task organization to ensure nothing falls behind

Monitor food quality and consistency throughout all stages of prep

Enforce food safety and sanitation procedures

Train, support, and hold your team accountable

Communicate with FOH and evening BOH staff to ensure smooth handoffs

Who This Role is For

You have real kitchen experience — not chasing chef titles, but confident managing production, process, and people

You’re highly organized , with strong time management skills

You lead by example and get the best out of others

You care about doing things right, every single time

You don’t need the spotlight — but you

are the one making sure the lights come on and the food’s ready

Requirements

2–5 years of back-of-house experience, ideally with prep or production management

Comfortable managing people and setting expectations

Familiarity with kitchen equipment and prep procedures

ServSafe Manager certification (or willingness to obtain)

Able to lift 50 pounds and stay on your feet for extended periods

Early riser with a flexible schedule (some earlier or later days may be needed)

English fluency required; Spanish fluency a plus

What We Offer

Consistent full-time schedule — primarily early mornings

Respectful, professional kitchen culture

Competitive pay and benefits

A leadership role with impact, stability, and zero fluff

The chance to be part of a team that takes BBQ — and each other — seriously

Sound like your kind of kitchen? Apply now. Let’s talk.