Assistant Kitchen Manager PopStroke is a founder-led brand built by people who believe energy creates results and culture creates momentum. We aren't here to simply run venues — we're here to build something special together. At PopStroke, every team member has limitless potential to become who they want to be. We encourage bold ideas, celebrate growth, and believe that when you're supported, challenged, and trusted, you rise. We solve problems together, jump in, and move the needle every day because we care. We lead with ownership, back each other up, and never lose sight of the fun along the way. This mindset; the drive, the heart, the teamwork is what we call The PopStroke Way. Our Core ValuesMake It FunIf it's not fun, rethink how we're doing it. We bring creativity, positivity, and joy into everything we do, from guest interactions, doing hard things, and how we support one another. Bring the EnergyYour vibe sets the tone. Every leader and team member influences the experience. Show up with enthusiasm, optimism, and presence. Roll Up Your Sleeves See it. Fix it. Jump in. We are hands-on, problem solvers that jump in and become part of the solution. We leave things better than we found them. Own ItLive your role with an owner's mindset. We take pride in our work, hold ourselves accountable, and treat the business like it's our own. Get Off the Hamster WheelDon't repeat yesterday — rethink, improve, grow. We challenge "the way it's always been done" and are always looking for better ways to serve our guests and each other. If mixing drinks is your jam and spreading good vibes is your game, then it's time to shine on our greens!
About the Role:
The Assistant Kitchen Manager plays a key leadership role in delivering an exceptional culinary experience by supporting the Kitchen Manager in the day-to-day operation of a fast-paced, pizza-focused kitchen. This leader is responsible for maintaining high standards of food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and operational excellence while helping develop and lead a high-performing culinary team. Our kitchens are centered around handcrafted pizzas, alongside a focused menu of appetizers, wings, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Success in this role requires a passion for great food, an eye for detail, and the ability to lead with energy and urgency during high-volume service. In the absence of the Kitchen Manager, the Assistant Kitchen Manager assumes responsibility for all back-of-house operations.
What You'll Do:
Support the daily operation of a high-volume, pizza-focused kitchen while maintaining exceptional food quality and guest satisfaction.
Lead by example during service by coaching, directing, and supporting the culinary team.
Execute and oversee all aspects of pizza production, including dough handling, stretching, topping, baking, cutting, and presentation.
Ensure pizzas and all menu items consistently meet PopStroke recipe specifications, quality standards, and presentation expectations.
Monitor ticket times and kitchen workflow to deliver accurate, high-quality food with speed and consistency.
Maintain proper oven management, product rotation, and cooking techniques to maximize quality and efficiency.
Ensure prep levels, dough production, sauces, cheeses, toppings, and all ingredients are properly prepared, labeled, rotated, and stocked to support business demands.
Train, coach, and develop team members on culinary techniques, pizza production, food quality, sanitation, and kitchen procedures.
Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance coaching, and accountability of kitchen team members.
Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, urgency, and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with all company recipes, portion standards, food safety practices, and sanitation procedures.
Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe kitchen, including ovens, prep areas, refrigeration, smallwares, floors, hoods, and storage areas.
Assist with inventory management, receiving deliveries, ordering, waste reduction, and maintaining appropriate par levels.
Support labor management by assisting with scheduling and ensuring staffing aligns with forecasted business levels.
Assist with culinary execution for private events, parties, and large group functions.
Investigate and resolve food quality concerns quickly while maintaining a guest-first mindset.
Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local health regulations and company operating standards.
Identify equipment maintenance needs and communicate repairs promptly to minimize operational disruption.
Foster a safe working environment by ensuring adherence to all safety policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned while consistently demonstrating a sense of urgency and ownership.
Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 years of progressive kitchen experience in high-volume casual dining, pizza concepts, or similar restaurant environments.
Minimum of 1 year of kitchen leadership or supervisory experience.
Previous experience working with pizza ovens, dough preparation, pizza assembly, and high-volume pizza production strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of kitchen operations, food safety, sanitation, inventory management, and labor control.
Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, motivate, and develop culinary team members.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining quality and consistency.
Active ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).Commitment to delivering exceptional food quality, cleanliness, operational excellence, and guest satisfaction.
Professional appearance with a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds, bend, reach, stoop, and stand for extended periods throughout a shift.
The Assistant Kitchen Manager reports directly to the Kitchen Manager.
PopStroke participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.PopStroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer
