Culinary Manager (Kitchen Manager)

Apr 28 2026
Kona Brewing Hawaii - Kona Brewpub |Kailua-Kona|Full Time, $70,000 - $90,000 / year
Job Description

Culinary Manager

Kona Brewing Company Pub | Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Want to Cook with Purpose? We're Looking for a Kitchen Leader Who Gets It.

We're not just looking for someone who can run a kitchen, we need a Culinary Manager who's ready to be a culture champion, team builder, and culinary innovator all rolled into one. If you thrive on collaboration, live for that perfect plate, and believe that great food starts with great people, let's talk.

What You'll Actually Do Lead with Heart (and Heat)
  • Develop killer menus and recipes that honor our brand and wow our guests

  • Coach, mentor, and support your culinary team so they feel like rockstars (because they are)

  • Partner with our Beverage, Events, and Marketing teams to create unforgettable dining experiences

  • Manage food costs, inventory, and purchasing like the pro you are, hitting budgets without sacrificing quality

Build Something Bigger
  • Model our Purpose and Values every single day; you're not just managing a kitchen, you're building a culture

  • Lead pre-shift "take a knee" meetings that are actually engaging (we promise, no boring lectures)

  • Drive innovation by constantly asking "How can we do this better?" and then actually doing it

  • Be the go-to person for the GM on everything culinary, production, and team morale

Make It All Work
  • Oversee recipe development, plating guides, and spec lists

  • Monitor food quality, speed, and consistency across all service periods

  • Ensure all health, safety, and sanitation standards are exceeded (not just met)

  • Track P&L performance, manage labor costs, and keep your finger on the pulse of kitchen operations

Who You Are

The Must-Haves:

  • Restaurant/culinary experience that matches this role (you've been in the trenches)

  • Computer literate: Word, Excel, Outlook are your friends

  • English fluency and solid math skills (Spanish is a huge plus!)

  • Physically fit and ready for the demands of a professional kitchen

  • Flexible schedule and reliable transportation

The You-Haves:

  • You walk your talk and honor your craft

  • You're a natural coach who builds people up, not tears them down

  • You embrace accountability; you do what you say you'll do, and you raise your hand when you need help

  • You communicate with dignity, equity, and respect (even when the tickets are flying)

  • You're approachable, positive, and committed to creating a kitchen where people actually want to work

Why You'll Love Working With Us

This isn't just another kitchen job. At Kona Brewing, you're part of a leadership team that values innovation, collaboration, and genuine hospitality. You'll work alongside passionate professionals who care as much about team culture as they do about the perfect beer pairing.

Ready to Join Us?

If you're excited to lead a culinary team that's supported, equipped, and empowered to do their best work, we want to hear from you. Bring your passion, your expertise, and your commitment to excellence.

Apply today and let's create something amazing together.

Kona Brewing Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.