Kitchen Manager

ABOUT REAL GOOD KITCHEN: Real Good Kitchen is Knoxville’s first shared commercial kitchen and food business incubator. Located on Magnolia Avenue in East Knoxville, we are a shared kitchen community with a mission to support food businesses at any stage. It’s not easy to run a food business. Our goal is to provide food entrepreneurs with the space and resources they need.

At Real Good Kitchen, we believe that we can make change through food. We envision greater equity, opportunity and financial security for more people through food business ownership. We share a kitchen that welcomes everyone and values diverse capabilities, talents and traditions. We nurture a community through the common language of food. And we all eat well in the process.

As a public benefit company, Real Good Kitchen is focused on creating opportunities, building a collaborative and welcoming community and making real impact inside and outside the Kitchen.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Kitchen Manager oversees the day-to-day management of the shared commercial kitchen ensuring efficient operations, meeting regulatory requirements for a clean and safe working environment, and delivering exceptional service to members and partners. Duties include but are not limited to managing the facility, managing financial budgets, maintaining vendor and supplier relationships, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, and prioritizing member experience while ensuring that the Kitchen facility meets the highest quality standards.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Serve as the main point of contact for Kitchen members, providing orientation and safety training, enforcing sanitary practices, and addressing needs to boost retention

  • Ensure that the kitchen adheres to OSHA health, safety, and sanitation regulations and complies with local regulations and health codes; Cooperate and assist with inspections 

  • Monitor supply inventory, track waste, and control costs to ensure the kitchen operates within budget 

  • Remain apprised of and ensure compliance with all Federal, State and Local regulations concerning food production and service, food manufacturing and allergen control

  • Manage equipment maintenance and repair process from initial repair acknowledgement through vendor request to issue resolution

  • Develop and implement strategies to optimize kitchen space, manage inventory, scheduling, and maintenance, enhancing the member experience. Be energized by problem solving

  • Manage supplier contracts, manage relationships, and coordinate deliveries to support member operations. Collaborate with suppliers to negotiate pricing and delivery schedules

  • Recruit, train, and mentor a diverse team of kitchen staff, maintenance personnel, and administrative support, offering feedback to enhance skills and boost morale

  • Utilize technology solutions for facility management, scheduling, and reporting to enhance operational efficiency

  • Interact professionally and communicate effectively with colleagues, members, vendors and community to support RGK sales and marketing efforts. Be comfortable resolving conflict

  • Enforce and, when necessary, revise or develop Real Good Kitchen policies and procedures to ensure compliance and a healthy working environment for staff and RGK members

  • ServSafe Manager Certification (or willingness to obtain it)

  • Assist with occasional events at the Kitchen and with community partners

  • Represent the RGK team in fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration inside and outside the Kitchen through community service, partnerships, and relationship-building opportunities

  • Regular and prompt attendance is an essential function of the job

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  This position will supervise employees. 

Education and/or Experience:  Minimum age 18 years old.  High School degree or GED required. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent certification preferred. Relevant equivalent experience reviewed. Proven experience in managing staff and operations in a fast-paced kitchen environment.  Minimum 3 years of experience in operations management shared kitchen, food production, culinary leadership role or hospitality environment preferred.

Other Qualifications:  Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, kitchen equipment, food safety regulations, and inventory management. General knowledge of computer applications for the frequent use of electronic mail, word processing, data entry, spreadsheets, graphics, etc. Must be able to handle multiple, simultaneous tasks effectively and efficiently.  Ability to understand, read, write and speak English. Spanish/English fluency preferred. Strong verbal and written communication skills required. 

Must be detail oriented, analytical and organized with the ability to perform duties under pressure, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines. Must have the aptitude and ability to work independently. Must illustrate resilience and adaptability in managing evolving operational needs. Full-time position with varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS: Frequently required to stand; sit; walk for extended periods of time; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Repetitive motion of upper body. 

Must be able to work in a fast-paced, sometimes stressful, customer service-oriented environment, perform duties under pressure and meet deadlines in a timely manner.

The position is  fulltime with varying shifts, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays, starting at $50,000 with medical, dental and vision benefits and paid time off. The position has room for growth.

Real Good Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive community for our team and our members. We aim to build a diverse team that reflects the diversity in our Kitchen and in the Knoxville community.


Please apply by sending your resume, salary requirements, and two professional references to bailey at therealgoodkitchen.com.  Include “Kitchen Manager Position” in the subject line.