Kitchen Manager – Zov's Bistro Newport Coast
Zov's is opening a new bistro location in Newport Coast and we're looking for a skilled and experienced Kitchen Manager to lead our kitchen from the ground up. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a new opening with one of Orange County's most respected Mediterranean restaurant groups.
About the Role
As Kitchen Manager, you'll own the full back-of-house operation at our Newport Coast location — building the team, establishing the culture, and ensuring every plate leaving the kitchen reflects the quality and consistency Zov's is known for. You'll report directly to the General Manager and work in close collaboration with our Senior Culinary Director on all culinary standards and recipe execution.
What You'll Be Responsible For
Operations & Execution
Oversee all daily kitchen operations including line, prep, and dish
Maintain Zov's standards for food quality, consistency, plating, and timing across all dayparts
Ensure kitchen facilities are clean, organized, and equipment is properly maintained
Enforce food safety, sanitation, and health code compliance at all times
Any changes to recipes or menu items require review and approval from the Senior Culinary Director
Team Leadership & Development
Hire, train, schedule, and supervise all BOH staff including line cooks, prep cooks, dishwashers, and expo/runners
Build a positive, professional kitchen culture rooted in respect, accountability, and teamwork
Lead pre-shift meetings and ongoing staff development
Conduct regular performance reviews, provide meaningful coaching, and champion internal growth
Financial & Operational Management
Track and manage food and labor costs to meet or exceed budgeted targets
Collaborate with purchasing to maintain par levels and reduce waste and spoilage
Oversee inventory controls, ordering systems, and vendor relationships
Partner closely with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless service and an exceptional guest experience
What We're Looking For
3+ years of kitchen management or senior BOH leadership experience in a full-service restaurant environment
Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and kitchen operations
Proven ability to manage food and labor costs effectively
Experience hiring and developing a BOH team, ideally in an opening or growth environment
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, and holidays
A collaborative, hospitality-first mindset
Schedule & Commitment
Full-time salaried position
Approximately 50–55 hours per week, scheduled 5 days including weekends
This is a rare chance to join Zov's at the ground level of a new location and help define what our Newport Coast kitchen looks and feels like from day one. If you're a proven kitchen leader ready for that challenge, we want to hear from you.
To apply, reply to this posting with your resume and a brief note about your kitchen management background.
