Assistant Kitchen Manager

Assistant Kitchen Manager
(Fresh-Chilled / Cook-Chill Food Manufacturing)

Position Overview:

The Assistant Kitchen Manager is the operational leader responsible for executing daily production in a fresh-chilled meal facility. This hands-on role supervises production, sanitation, and warehousing to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing of short-shelf-life ready-to-eat meals. It serves as a key development step toward the Kitchen Manager position.

Key Responsibilities

1.     Daily Production Supervision

·      Oversee shift operations across preparation, cooking, chilling, assembly, and packaging.

·      Manage production schedules, optimize labour, and ensure adherence to recipes and quality standards.

·      Monitor critical control points including cooking temperatures, blast chilling rates, and cold chain integrity.

2.     Food Safety & Quality Compliance

·      Enforce GMPs, HACCP, and allergen controls. Oversee sanitation, hold/release procedures, and routine quality checks.

·      Document deviations and implement corrective actions. Support traceability and mock recalls.

3.     Team Leadership

·      Directly supervise Production Supervisors, Line Leads, and hourly employees (typically 50–150+). Conduct daily meetings, deliver training, manage scheduling, and foster a culture of safety and accountability.

4.     Operational Efficiency

·      Track metrics such as OEE, yield, waste, and line speeds.

·      Lead problem-solving for production issues, implement 5S and visual management, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

5.     Safety & Environmental Compliance

·      Enforce safety policies and PPE requirements in cold environments.

·      Conduct safety observations, investigate incidents, and ensure compliance with environmental procedures.

6.     Inventory & Materials Management

·      Oversaw raw material staging, WIP management, and finished goods rotation (FEFO).

·      Conduct cycle counts and ensure accurate labelling and traceability.

Qualifications & Skills

·      Food Manufacturing Expertise:Hands-on experience with cook-chill technology, blast chillers, thermal processing, and MAP. Knowledge of food microbiology, shelf-life validation, and cold chain management.

·      Core Competencies:
Strong leadership, problem-solving under pressure, effective communication, data analysis, and project management skills.

·      Work Environment:
Ability to work in refrigerated conditions (40–45°F), stand/walk for most of the shift, lift up to 40 lbs, and provide off-hours support as needed.

Reporting Structure

·      Reports to: Kitchen Manager

·      Direct Reports: Production Supervisors, Sanitation Supervisor, Warehouse Supervisor

·      Collaborates with: Quality Manager, Maintenance Manager, Production Planner, HR