Kitchen Manager Trainee
The Kitchen Manager Trainee at Confidential Client is an entry-level leadership role focused on assisting the Sous Chef in managing kitchen operations, employee development, and ensuring high-quality food preparation. This structured 6-month training program prepares candidates to become Lead Cooks by fostering culinary skills, team management, and customer engagement in a dynamic food service environment.
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.
What You’ll Do
As a Kitchen Manager Trainee you will learn and support kitchen operations while developing leadership and culinary skills through a structured training program.
- Participate in an entry-level, structured 6-month training program with a mentor and trainer.
- Assist the Sous Chef in running kitchen operations and managing staff; oversee the kitchen in the Sous Chef’s absence.
- Follow recipes and proper cooking techniques to ensure consistent high-quality products.
- Train, develop and mentor cooks; provide coaching, feedback and performance support.
- Educate customers and team members on products and meal solutions; suggest complementary items from other departments.
- Help control costs and support profitability through portion control, waste reduction and quality checks.
- Candidates may be considered for multiple store locations within the specified region based on openings.
Qualifications
Required
- 2+ years of experience as a prep or line cook.
- Knowledge of food safety and quality assurance.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Availability for morning, afternoon and evening shifts, including weekends.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts.
- Experience working in multi-faceted food service environments (restaurant, hotel, country club, conference center, casino, theme park, etc.).
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay: $21.75 - $22.50 per hour.
- Earn a bonus of up to $1,500 (program-dependent).
- Competitive benefits may include:
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Higher premium pay for overtime, Sundays, and recognized holidays
- Health care options
- Retirement plan with 401(k) match
- Scholarship program for eligible employees
- Employee & family wellness programs (Note: Specific offerings and eligibility may vary by location and position.)
Training & Career Path
- This is a training-to-placement program: successful completion is expected to lead to placement as a Lead Cook in the Restaurant Foods Kitchen area.
- You will work with a mentor and receive hands-on coaching and evaluations throughout the program to support advancement.
Location & Schedule
- Location: Chantilly, VA (14361 Newbrook Drive — candidates may be considered across the region)
- Schedule: Full time. Must be available mornings, afternoons and evenings (includes weekends).
- This position requires standing for long periods and routine kitchen duties.
Additional details
- This role supports a safe, inclusive workplace. Confidential Client is committed to non-discrimination in hiring.
- Reasonable accommodation: If you require an accommodation to complete an application or to participate in the hiring process, please contact Careertakes for assistance.
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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