Kitchen Manager

Lab37 is building a new kind of restaurant operation, combining great food, technology, and efficient kitchen systems to create a more scalable model for food service.

We're a fast-moving team focused on improving how restaurants operate. Our kitchens use technology and automation to support food production, and we're constantly testing, refining, and improving our processes.

We're looking for a hands-on Kitchen Manager who can lead our Lawndale kitchen team, maintain high operational standards, and help us build a strong foundation as we grow.

As Kitchen Manager, you'll own daily operations at our Lawndale kitchen, ensuring the team is supported, food is prepared consistently, and service runs smoothly.

This is a hands-on leadership role that balances working alongside the Lawndale team with coaching shift leads, planning staffing and production, and maintaining accountability for the location. You'll jump into prep or service when needed while building a team that can execute consistently.

You'll own staff scheduling, inventory accuracy, ordering, training, and performance standards for Lawndale, working closely with shift leads and operations leadership.

We're looking for someone who leads by example, communicates clearly, embraces technology, and is comfortable working in a rapidly evolving environment.

• Support ingredient preparation and daily production during training, peak periods, or staffing gaps while maintaining management oversight.
• Oversee prep quality, consistency, food safety, cleanliness, and kitchen organization.
• Ensure prep targets are met and the kitchen is adequately stocked for service.
• Operate and troubleshoot kitchen equipment, including automated cooking systems.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and help implement practical improvements.
• Balance hands-on production support with coaching, daily readiness, and resolution of recurring operational issues at Lawndale.

• Supervise, coach, and support shift leads and kitchen staff at Lawndale.
• Own weekly schedules, coordinate coverage, monitor labor hours, and proactively address staffing gaps.
• Train employees on recipes, equipment, food safety, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide regular coaching, feedback, and performance management.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable team environment.
• Lead by example and maintain a calm, solutions-oriented approach during challenging situations.

• Manage routine ingredient, packaging, and supply ordering.
• Monitor inventory levels, conduct counts, and maintain accurate records.
• Minimize waste, prevent stockouts, and ensure proper product rotation.
• Work with vendors to resolve routine delivery and product issues.
• Monitor food and labor costs through efficient scheduling, ordering, inventory controls, and production planning.

• Use digital tools to manage prep, inventory, scheduling, and daily kitchen workflows.
• Troubleshoot routine software and equipment issues, escalating when necessary.
• Help test and implement new operational processes and technologies, and track whether changes improve execution.
• Provide feedback on kitchen tools, workflows, and opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure teams consistently follow established SOPs and operating standards.

• Maintain consistent execution and accountability at Lawndale by developing shift leads, establishing clear expectations, and following up on performance.
• Monitor kitchen performance indicators including food safety, prep completion, order accuracy, labor efficiency, inventory accuracy, waste, and staff performance. Identify recurring problems and implement corrective actions with shift leads.
• Support shift leads in resolving daily operational challenges.
• Help onboard and train new employees as the company grows.
• Support the Lawndale launch, menu rollouts, and ongoing operational improvements.
• Communicate Lawndale staffing needs, operational challenges, and improvement opportunities to leadership.

• 4+ years of professional kitchen experience, including at least 2 years directly supervising or leading kitchen teams.
• Strong hands-on food preparation skills, including knife work, ingredient preparation, and production planning.
• Working experience preparing staff schedules, conducting inventory counts, placing orders, and monitoring food and labor costs; willingness to learn and improve existing systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to coach, motivate, and hold team members accountable.
• Comfortable using technology and learning new software and equipment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize competing needs.
• Willingness to work hands-on alongside the Lawndale kitchen team.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and varying shifts as operational needs require.

• Experience in high-volume restaurants, commissaries, ghost kitchens, or other production-focused food service operations.
• Experience opening new kitchens or training new teams.
• Familiarity with food cost, labor management, and operational KPIs.
• Experience working with automated or technology-enabled kitchen equipment.
• Experience in a startup or other fast-changing environment.

Beyond technical experience, we're especially interested in someone who:

• Leads with a positive attitude: Treats people respectfully, communicates clearly, and builds trust with the team.
• Is confident in prep: Can demonstrate sound food preparation skills and coach teams on consistent execution.
• Is hands-on when needed: Can support production and troubleshoot issues without losing focus on management responsibilities.
• Is comfortable with technology: Can learn new systems quickly and help others adopt them.
• Is adaptable: Understands that processes may evolve as we test and improve our operating model.
• Takes ownership: Identifies problems, follows through, and doesn't wait to be told what needs fixing.
• Balances standards with empathy: Holds people accountable while maintaining a supportive and constructive team culture.

This role is based in our Lawndale, CA site.  As a company driven by invention and continuous change - we are constantly reimagining our industries, building new products, and refining how we operate. 

The base salary range for this role is $70,000 - $90,000 per year.

Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards and an annual performance-based bonus.

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