Job Title: Kitchen Manager

Location: Ecusta Market & Cafe, Hendersonville, NC

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

Compensation: $52,000/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 ecustamarket@gmail.com.