Summary
A highly anticipated, globally recognized premium fast casual restaurant concept is preparing to launch its first Canadian flagship location in downtown Toronto in 2026. With a strong international footprint and an aggressive national expansion strategy already underway, this opening represents the foundation of a brand that will scale rapidly across Ontario and beyond. This is not a single-unit opportunity. This is a ground-floor leadership role with direct impact on how the brand operates, trains, and grows across Canada. They are seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to join the founding leadership team — a senior, hands-on back-of-house leader who has successfully opened high-volume restaurants and understands how to stabilize, standardize, and scale premium QSR operations.
Reporting to the Store Manager and Operations leadership, the Kitchen Manager plays a critical role in launching the first Canadian location and establishing the operational blueprint that will be replicated nationally. This role is ideal for a proven kitchen operator who thrives in fast-paced environments, leads from the line, and takes pride in precision, training, and execution. This is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned BOH leader who wants to be part of a brand launch from day one and help build something that will grow coast to coast. Salary is $70-80K plus
Description
Operational Leadership
- Lead and execute day-to-day BOH operations in a high-volume, premium QSR environment
- Set the pace on the line, lead by example, and maintain composure during peak service periods
- Run expo confidently at any volume level, ensuring speed, accuracy, and food quality
- Demonstrate full proficiency across all BOH positions and support the team wherever needed
- Maintain consistent execution during high-volume service periods
Pre-Opening and Training
- Build, train, and develop the entire BOH team for the flagship location
- Train Kitchen Leads and line cooks to brand standards with a focus on consistency, efficiency, and execution
- Support onboarding and certification requirements for all BOH staff
- Participate in mandatory corporate training, including international training and certification
Financial and Controls
- Partner with the Store Manager to review daily sales, labour, and cost performance
- Manage labour deployment in real time, adjusting staffing based on sales volume
- Minimize overtime and training-related labour inefficiencies
- Oversee inventory management, ordering, receiving, waste tracking, and portion control
- Review weekly P&L results and contribute to strategies that improve efficiency and margins
Food Quality and Cleanliness
- Ensure all food handling, preparation, and presentation standards are consistently upheld
- Conduct daily line checks and tastings to maintain food quality and execution
- Maintain BOH cleanliness standards, including walk-ins, prep areas, and storage spaces
- Ensure cleaning schedules and checklists are followed on all shifts
Maintenance and Facilities
- Identify repair and maintenance needs within the kitchen and BOH areas
- Coordinate vendor service and follow proper approval processes
- Review invoices for accuracy and ensure warranty work is handled appropriately
People Leadership and Culture
- Foster a respectful, inclusive, and accountable kitchen culture
- Coach and develop team members through regular observation and feedback
- Conduct shift meetings for BOH teams on every shift
- Maintain open communication with management and escalate issues as required
- Uphold all workplace safety, harassment, and policy standards without exception
Requirements
- 3+ years’ experience as a Kitchen Manager in a high-volume QSR or fast-casual concept
- Experience opening new restaurant locations from pre-opening through stabilization
- Strong culinary foundation with hands-on cooking and line leadership experience
- Demonstrated ability to manage peak service volumes of 300+ tickets
- Experience hiring, training, and developing large BOH teams
- Ability to work variable schedules including weekends, holidays, and peak periods
- Management certification, diploma, or culinary education considered an asset
- Ability to travel internationally for required training
Corporate Culture
- Founding leadership role in a landmark Canadian brand launch
- Direct involvement in setting national operating and training standards
- Clear growth runway as the brand expands across Canada
- High-energy, fast-paced environment for operators who thrive under pressure