Culinary Manager – Zov's Tustin Bakery
Zov's is seeking an experienced and driven Culinary Manager to lead kitchen and bakery operations at our Tustin location. This is a leadership role for a culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership of quality, and knows how to build and develop a strong team.
About the Role
As Culinary Manager, you'll oversee all back-of-house operations across both the restaurant and bakery — from food quality and sanitation to staffing, scheduling, and cost management. You'll report to the General Manager on operational matters and collaborate closely with our Senior Culinary Director on all culinary and menu-related decisions.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Production & Execution
Oversee daily kitchen and bakery production, ensuring quality, consistency, and presentation meet Zov's standards across all items
Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and equipment in compliance with Zov's standards and health codes
Manage prep schedules, par levels, and production timelines across both BOH and bakery teams
Ensure proper storage, rotation, labeling, and inventory controls at all times
Team Leadership & Training
Hire, train, schedule, and supervise all BOH staff including line cooks, prep teams, bakers, dishwashers, and expo/runners
Foster a positive, professional, and respectful kitchen culture built on teamwork and continuous learning
Conduct regular performance reviews, provide coaching and feedback, and promote internal growth
Develop and lead pre-shift and staff development meetings
Financial & Operational Management
Manage and track food and labor costs to meet or exceed budgeted targets
Work closely with purchasing to maintain par levels and minimize waste and spoilage
Ensure compliance with inventory controls, ordering systems, and vendor relationships
Partner with front-of-house leadership to ensure smooth service and an exceptional guest experience
Menu & Culinary Development
Collaborate with the Senior Culinary Director on menu development, recipe refinement, and seasonal updates — all changes require Senior Culinary Director approval before implementation
Bring forward ideas for bakery grab-and-go, gifting, and rotating pastry offerings
Ensure recipe execution is consistent across all shifts and team members
What We're Looking For
3+ years of kitchen management or senior culinary leadership experience
Bakery or pastry operation experience a strong plus
Solid understanding of food and labor cost management
Strong communication, organizational, and team leadership skills
Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays
A collaborative mindset and genuine commitment to team and guest excellence
Schedule & Commitment
Full-time salaried position
Approximately 50–55 hours per week, scheduled 5 days including weekends
If you're ready to lead a talented team and help shape the culinary identity of one of Orange County's most beloved Mediterranean restaurant and bakery concepts, we'd love to hear from you.
To apply, reply to this posting with your resume and a brief note about your culinary management experience.
