Benefits:
Competitive salary
Opportunity for advancement
Training & development
Central Kitchen Lead – Counter Service
Location: New York, NY 10011
Job Type: Full-time
Expected Hours: 36-40 per week
Salary Range: $25-$27
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
About Us
Counter Service is an innovative chef-driven restaurant brand founded by Steve Ells, the visionary behind Chipotle, in collaboration with acclaimed Chef Andrew Black. As we expand to three additional NYC locations, our Central Kitchen plays a crucial role in ensuring fresh, daily preparation of high-quality, scratch-made food for our restaurants.
We are seeking a strong, experienced Central Kitchen Lead to oversee daily kitchen operations, manage staff schedules, and support food procurement and inventory management. This role works directly under the Culinary Director and is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality food preparation while driving the Cook and Dishwasher teams to perform at their highest level.
What You’ll Do
Team Leadership: Directly manage Central Kitchen Cooks and Dishwashers, ensuring smooth and efficient shift operations
Daily Operations: Oversee food prep, maintain kitchen workflow, and uphold top-tier food quality standards
Staff Scheduling & Management: Create, adjust, and oversee shifts for Cooks and Dishwashers to ensure full coverage
Receiving & Inventory Management: Oversee supplier deliveries, organize and track inventory, and ensure proper food storage
Food Procurement & Ordering: Assist the Culinary Director in placing orders and managing food procurement to maintain adequate supplies
Health & Safety Compliance: Ensure safe operation of the Central Kitchen and compliance with all NYC health and sanitation standards
Kitchen Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace, ensuring proper sanitation and kitchen hygiene
Performance & Quality Control: Motivate and drive kitchen staff to maintain efficiency, accuracy, and excellence in food preparation
What We’re Looking For
2+ years of experience in a high-volume kitchen or commissary
Proven leadership experience managing kitchen teams in a fast-paced environment
Strong culinary background with hands-on experience in food prep, batch cooking, and kitchen operations
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills to manage staff, inventory, and operations
Comfortable working a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs, standing for 10+ hours, and performing pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, and reaching
General HACCP knowledge and ability to enforce food safety standards
Strong English communication skills (oral & written)
Experience with kitchen technology systems for ordering, scheduling, and inventory management
Required Certifications: NYC Food Protection Certificate & NYC Food Handlers Certificate
Preferred Qualifications
Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional training
Experience in food manufacturing, bulk prep, or high-volume commissary kitchens
Prior food purchasing or inventory management experience
Why Join Us?
Competitive salary with weekly pay
Health & dental insurance (Eligibility after 90 days)
Paid time off
Free sandwich per shift
Career advancement opportunities – work under classically trained chefs in a high-caliber kitchen
Employee referral bonuses
Work Schedule & Locations
Shift-based schedule: Morning, evening, and weekend availability required
Primary Location:
54 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011
Join Our Team!
If you’re ready to lead a high-performing kitchen team and help shape the future of a fast-growing, chef-led restaurant brand, apply today! After applying, you’ll receive an email with next steps to schedule an interview.
Counter Service, a Kernel Foods Inc brand, is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusivity.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. If you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, participate in the interview process, or perform the essential duties of the Restaurant Manager role, please contact HR. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New York City Human Rights Law.