Culinary Manager in Training, Confidential Client / Houston, TX
The Culinary Manager in Training role at Confidential Client offers an entry-level management training program focused on developing leadership skills in culinary and hospitality operations. The position includes hands-on experience, participation in the Accelerated Manager Program, and training in areas such as customer service, profit and loss management, inventory control, and marketing. This role prepares candidates for future management positions within the hospitality industry, emphasizing real-world application and career growth opportunities.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Hospitality & Catering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role summary
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Culinary / Back-of-House Manager in Training for a full-time placement in Houston, TX (United Polaris Lounge @ IAH Airport). This role is part of an accelerated manager development program designed to prepare recent graduates for leadership roles in culinary and hospitality operations.
What You’ll Do
You will participate in a structured training pathway (Accelerated Manager Program, AMP) and gain hands-on experience running back-of-house operations. Typical responsibilities include:
- Support daily kitchen production, quality control, sanitation, and safety standards
- Learn profit & loss fundamentals, inventory control, and cash handling
- Assist with hiring, training and supervising hourly team members
- Participate in retail/merchandising, purchasing and supply chain activities
- Deliver excellent customer service and support client relations
- Complete competency assessments, micro-courses and simulations as part of AMP
- Be prepared to relocate within the region for placement opportunities upon program completion (as needed)
About the Accelerated Manager Program (AMP)
AMP is a competency-based, fast-track development program combining assessments, personalized learning paths, coaching, and on-the-job training. Highlights:
- Personalized learning plan with experiential assignments and micro-courses
- One-on-one mentorship and peer support
- 360° performance evaluations and milestone-based progression
- Typical completion timeframe: 12 weeks or more depending on individual learning needs
Successful graduates may be considered for roles such as Sous Chef, Chef Manager, Executive Dining Chef, or Catering Chef based on performance and business needs.
Qualifications
Candidates should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or related field required by August 2025 (or earlier)
- 0–5 years from graduation preferred (recent graduates encouraged to apply)
- Prior customer service or hospitality experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, or similar settings
- Basic knowledge of profit & loss, inventory control, and cash handling
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Good organizational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and common internet applications
- Open to relocation within the region for placement opportunities
- Driver’s license preferred where role responsibilities require it
Compensation & Benefits
- Base pay range: $60,000 - $67,000 per year (negotiable based on experience)
- Free meals, uniforms and laundering service available at select locations
- Full-time benefits may include: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan, commuter benefits, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
- Additional voluntary benefits: critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, pet insurance, identity-theft protection, legal services, discount marketplace
- Paid and unpaid time-off in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws
Location & Work Type
- Worksite: Houston, TX — United Polaris Lounge at IAH Airport (3950 North Terminal Road, Houston, TX 77032)
- Employment type: Full-time
- Note: Successful placement after AMP may require relocation within the region.
How we work (recruiting & candidate experience)
Careertakes will support candidate matching and application processing as a third-party recruiting platform. Confidential Client may use AI-assisted tools for resume screening or application triage; human decision-makers make final hiring decisions. Applicants may be contacted about related openings that match their profile.
Why apply
- Fast-track leadership development through a structured AMP program
- Clear progression into culinary leadership roles
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for full-time hires
- Hands-on training in a high-profile airport lounge operation offering real guest-facing experience
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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