Job Title: Kitchen Manager

Location: Ecusta Market & Cafe, Hendersonville, NC

Employment Type: Full-Time (50+ hours/week), Nights & Weekends Required

Compensation: $60,000/year + performance based bonus

Position Overview

Ecusta Market & Cafe is hiring a Kitchen Manager to lead our cafe kitchen team. We’re a locally owned market and cafe focused on wholesome food, quality ingredients, and community hospitality. The Kitchen Manager is responsible for daily BOH operations, food quality, team leadership, and efficient, high-volume service in a fast-paced, counter-service environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee daily kitchen operations and food prep

Lead and train BOH staff; manage scheduling and cleanliness

Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation

Handle inventory, ordering, and cost control

Maintain health & safety standards

Collaborate with café and market leadership on staffing, systems, and seasonal menus

Meet performance and financial targets tied to bonus

Expectations:

Work 50+ hours per week – This is an all-in leadership position, but we also value work/life balance and will collaborate with you to create a schedule that works for everyone

Maintain a professional appearance and a consistently clean, organized kitchen

Establish and uphold a positive, respectful, and team-oriented kitchen culture from day one. We have built a strong, uplifting work environment in the market, and we expect the same energy in the café. Creating and maintaining that culture is a key part of this role.

Please read that again and understand how seriously we take this aspect of the job. If you find yourself often in a negative spiral, blaming problems on other people, this is not going to be a good fit for you.

Lead by example with strong communication, accountability, and a team-first attitude—positive folks only, no exceptions

Qualifications:

At least 1 year in a kitchen leadership role

Must be available weekends

Strong communication and team leadership skills

Highly organized, dependable, and efficient

Experience managing inventory and food cost

Passion for local food and community-driven business

Compensation & Perks:

$52,000 salary + bonus based on performance

2 weeks (80 hours) paid vacation per year – accrues monthly and is available for use after 6 months of employment

100% off café food

20% off market groceries (excluding alcohol)

Supportive culture and opportunity for growth

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you’d be a great fit for our team to ------------.