This kitchen manager role oversees culinary operations across multiple restaurant or concession concepts within an airport environment. The position ensures food quality, operational consistency, labor efficiency, sanitation compliance, and team leadership while supporting high-volume service in a fast-paced, customer-focused setting. It involves partnering closely with Executive Chefs, General Managers, and airport concession leadership to maintain brand standards and operational excellence across all assigned units.
Responsibilities
Supervise daily kitchen operations across multiple airport concession units
Ensure consistent execution of recipes, portioning, presentation, and quality standards
Support menu rollouts, seasonal promotions, and operational initiatives
Monitor food production levels to meet fluctuating passenger volume and peak travel periods
Conduct regular line checks and kitchen inspections across all locations
Lead, coach, and motivate kitchen staff, supervisors, and prep teams
Assist with hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management
Train employees on food preparation, safety procedures, sanitation standards, and operational policies
Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment
Manage food inventory, ordering, receiving, and vendor relationships
Control food cost, waste, spoilage, and labor expenses
Conduct inventory counts and reconcile variances
Ensure proper product rotation and storage procedures
Ensure compliance with all local, state, federal, TSA, airport authority, and health department regulations
Maintain HACCP, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
Prepare kitchens for inspections and audits
Enforce cleanliness and maintenance standards throughout all kitchen facilities
Travel between airport concession locations to support operational needs
Coordinate staffing and production across multiple concepts or brands
Troubleshoot operational challenges and implement process improvements
Communicate effectively with front-of-house leadership and support departments
Complete daily reports, labor tracking, inventory documentation, and operational logs
Assist with budgeting and forecasting
Monitor productivity and KPI performance metrics
Participate in management meetings and operational planning
May be required to perform other duties and responsibilities as needed, beyond those specifically listed in the job posting
Requirements
2-3+ years of kitchen management experience in high-volume food service
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
Experience managing labor, inventory, and food costs
Proven leadership and team development skills
Ability to work flexible schedules including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
Food Handlers license or willing to obtain one within the first 30 days of hire
Ability to obtain and maintain all credentials and security clearances required to work at JFK Airport
Ability to stand for extended periods
Frequent walking between concession locations
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
Ability to work around hot equipment, refrigerated areas, and busy kitchen environments
Nice to have:
Multi-unit, airport, hotel, stadium, or concession experience
ServSafe Certification or equivalent
Benefits
Bonus opportunities
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off
Meal benefits
Career growth opportunities
Employee discount
Paid training
Important Details
Schedule: flexible full-time schedule that may include mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on operational needs
About the Company
MERA is a family-owned, multinational food and beverage company specializing in non-traditional venues, including airports and cruise ports. As an operator, concept developer, franchise partner, strategic ally, and restaurant owner, MERA welcomes more than 200 million guests annually across five countries, two cruise ports, and 18 airport terminals through more than 53 brands and 200 units.
Mera - The Petfood Family
Our passion is the well-being and health of your pet.
