Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager

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North End Taproom is hiring for an Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager

North End is a beer hall with a scratch kitchen featuring elevated bar food. We’re a small, tight-knit team looking for a Chef to lead our kitchen. This role goes beyond cooking — We're looking for a culinary leader to own our kitchen, elevate the food program, and build a team that matches the energy of the taproom floor.

We strive for a laid back but professional environment where everyone has room to grow. You should understand this is a job first, but also one where you can continue building your skills, take pride in your work, and set the tone for the direction of the kitchen.

Responsibilities:

Culinary leadership:

• Develop and execute the taproom menu — shareable plates, elevated bar food, seasonal specials
• Maintain recipe specs, plating standards, and food quality across all dayparts
• Lead line operations during service — hands-on, not just managing from the office
• Establish prep schedules, par levels, and production systems that scale with volume
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health code requirements

Kitchen operations:

• Manage food cost to target — own ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships
• Build and maintain kitchen schedules; hire, train, and develop BOH staff
• Oversee delivery platform ticket flow (DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub) with a focus on accuracy and speed
• Coordinate with front-of-house and taproom operations for smooth, high-volume service

Program growth:

• Collaborate directly with ownership on menu evolution and new concept development
• Drive LTOs, event menus, and food/beer pairing opportunities
• Help shape kitchen culture as the food program revamps — this is a ground-floor opportunity

What we're looking for:

• 3+ years in a kitchen leadership role (exec chef, head chef, or kitchen manager)
• Strong background in bar food, comfort food, or high-volume casual dining
• Experience managing food cost, labor, and ordering — you understand the numbers
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, delivery-integrated environment
• ServSafe certified (or willing to obtain)
• Self-starter with a low ego and high standards

Benefits:

• $65,000–$75,000 base salary, depending on experience
• 401K with company match
• Health care credit
• Parking stipend
• Performance bonus tied to food cost and revenue goals
• Direct line to ownership — real input, no corporate layers
• Opportunity to grow with the food program as North End expands
• Employee tab at one of Royal Oak's best taprooms

If you are passionate about cooking, leadership, and creating food people are proud to eat, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance

Application Question(s):

• Can you please give a brief summary what makes you a good candidate for this job?

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Required)
• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Royal Oak, MI 48067 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Royal Oak, MI 48067: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person