The Original Griddle Co. is looking for an experienced, hands-on Food Truck Kitchen Manager / Operations Lead who can take ownership of the day-to-day operation of our food truck.
This is a hands-on leadership role. We're looking for someone who can cook at a high level, run the truck independently, manage prep and inventory, maintain excellent cleanliness standards, lead staff, and take initiative throughout the day.
We're a growing operation with an opportunity for the right person to take on greater responsibility as the business expands.
Hours will start around 30 hours per week, with the opportunity to grow into full-time hours and increased responsibility.
What We're Looking For
You'll thrive here if you are:
- Experienced in a fast-paced kitchen, restaurant, food truck or similar operation
- Able to run the food truck independently
- Highly reliable and punctual
- Proactive and self-motivated
- Someone who takes initiative and stays productive throughout the shift
- Clean and highly organized
- Comfortable taking ownership and being accountable
- Calm and effective during busy service periods
- Strong with customers and customer service
- Able to lead and train other employees
- Comfortable working independently or with a small team
- Focused on consistency and following established recipes and procedures
- Comfortable giving and receiving feedback
- Able to recognize priorities during slower periods and keep the operation moving forward
- FOODSAFE Level 1 required or willing to complete immediately
- Grill/griddle and fryer experience strongly preferred
- Experience with propane, generators and basic equipment troubleshooting is an asset
Responsibilities1. Run the Food Truck
- Be capable of running the truck solo when required
- Open and prepare the truck for service
- Run customer service, cooking, assembly and payment functions when working independently
- Maintain speed and quality during service
- Keep the truck organized throughout the shift
- Complete opening and closing responsibilities
- Make sure the truck is fully prepared for the next service
- Identify and help resolve day-to-day operational issues
2. Kitchen Execution
- Cook high-quality smashburgers and sides with speed and precision
- Operate the griddle and deep fryer safely and efficiently
- Follow recipes, portioning and cooking procedures
- Maintain consistent burger quality
- Monitor cooking temperatures and food safety requirements
- Maintain clean workstations throughout service
- Clean cooking surfaces throughout and after service as required
3. Prep & Stocking
- Ensure all prep items are stocked before service
- Maintain appropriate prep levels throughout the day
- Prepare stock for the following day's operation
- Slice and portion potatoes, onions, jalapeños, sauces, meat and other ingredients as required
- Label, date and rotate ingredients correctly
- Follow FIFO procedures
- Help minimize unnecessary food waste
- Make sure the next shift is properly set up for success
4. Inventory & Ordering
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels
- Monitor critical ingredients and supplies
- Identify low-stock items early
- Place or prepare supplier orders as required
- Help prevent stockouts
- Receive and organize deliveries
- Check received products for quantity and quality
- Maintain organized fridge, freezer and dry-storage areas
- Communicate upcoming inventory requirements
- Assist with local ingredient and supply pickups when required
- Help control waste and food costs
5. Cleaning & Sanitation
Cleanliness is a major responsibility of this position. The truck should be maintained throughout the shift, with regular cleaning as part of daily operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintain clean floors, walls, sinks and work surfaces
- Clean and sanitize prep areas
- Keep fridges and coolers clean and organized
- Clean underneath inserts and cutting boards
- Clean shelves and storage areas
- Maintain fridge vents
- Maintain sinks and washing areas
- Keep equipment clean
- Keep the exterior of the truck clean
- Keep the surrounding service area clean and free of garbage/debris
- Complete required cleaning checklists
Deep Fryer
- Maintain fryer cleanliness throughout operation
- Filter fryer oil daily/as required
- Clean fryer surfaces daily
- Remove grease buildup
- Perform scheduled deep cleaning
- Maintain the surrounding fryer area
Griddle
- Maintain the griddle throughout service
- Scrape and clean between orders as required
- Complete proper end-of-day cleaning
- Perform scheduled griddle deep cleans
- Maintain surrounding walls and surfaces
Hood & Ventilation
- Maintain hood cleanliness
- Clean accessible hood vent surfaces
- Remove grease buildup from surrounding areas
- Complete scheduled hood-area deep cleaning
- Maintain cleanliness around the fire suppression system without interfering with safety equipment
6. Leadership & Team Support
- Lead by example
- Train and onboard employees
- Delegate positions during service
- Help ensure staff follow recipes and operating procedures
- Maintain standards for cleanliness, quality and food safety
- Ensure opening, closing and cleaning checklists are completed
- Help the team prioritize productive tasks during slower periods
- Communicate operational problems early
- Contribute to a culture of quality, speed, cleanliness and accountability
7. Customer Experience
- Provide friendly and professional customer service
- Maintain urgency during busy periods
- Handle customer concerns professionally
- Represent The Original Griddle Co. positively
- Maintain a clean and professional appearance of the truck and service area
8. Additional Operational Support
As a growing small business, everyone contributes beyond their primary station.
The Kitchen Manager may also:
- Assist with local ingredient and supply pickups
- Assist with basic social media content
- Take photos/videos of food, service or events when appropriate
- Communicate product shortages or operational issues
- Assist with event setup and breakdown
- Help troubleshoot minor equipment issues
- Support scheduling and staffing as required
- Suggest improvements to processes, prep, service and organization
What You Bring
- Minimum 2 years of kitchen or line cook experience
- Previous leadership, shift-lead or kitchen-management experience preferred
- Ability to independently operate a small kitchen
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong sense of urgency
- Excellent reliability and punctuality
- Ability to take initiative and prioritize work independently
- Ability to follow established systems and procedures
- Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
- FOODSAFE Level 1
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Comfortable working around heat, steam, cooking equipment and variable weather
- Valid driver's licence is an asset for pickups and operational support
The Mindset We're Looking For
We can teach our recipes and systems. We're looking for someone who brings a strong sense of ownership, initiative and pride in their work.
Someone who:
- Takes pride in keeping the truck clean and organized
- Stays aware of inventory and prep levels
- Thinks ahead and prepares for the next shift
- Uses slower periods effectively for cleaning, prep and organization
- Communicates when something needs attention
- Takes feedback positively and continues improving
- Supports the team when things get busy
- Cares about the quality and consistency of every order
- Takes pride in representing the OG brand
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly compensation based on experience and responsibility
- Tips
- Meal perks
- Flexible scheduling where operationally possible
- Stable hours with opportunity to grow
- Opportunity for increased compensation with increased responsibility and performance
- Direct involvement in building a growing local food brand
- Opportunity to advance as we expand
Growth Path
Kitchen Manager / Operations Lead → Senior Operations Manager → Multi-Truck Supervisor
The right person will have the opportunity to grow alongside The Original Griddle Co. as we add events, locations and future trucks.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $23.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
