Culinary Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: Ceremony Coffee is a quality-focused roaster and retailer dedicated to creating exceptional coffee and food experiences through genuine hospitality. Our team values authentic relationships, shared knowledge, and a deep commitment to excellence. As the Culinary Manager, you'll play a critical role in shaping our food program, making key menu decisions, collaborating with store managers to manage waste and optimize sales, and upholding the highest standards for our offerings. This position demands dedication, strategic vision, and a passion for quality that will ensure we consistently represent our product and values in the best possible way.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• INNOVATION: Challenge the status quo with new ideas, systems and routines
• COLLABORATION: Collaborate with Director of Operations, Café Ops director, and store managers to bring new and exciting menu additions to cafes during specified seasonal rollouts
• BUSINESS GROWTH: Meet and exceed budgetary targets: growing sales, managing COGS, labor, and expenses.
  
  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership & Culture

• Set and uphold high standards of food quality and service across all locations.
• Lead and inspire the culinary team to refine their foodservice skills and maintain excellent food quality.
• Foster a work environment that aligns with Ceremony’s Shared Values: Quality, Integrity, and Community.
• Act as a bridge between the food program and the retail team, fostering cross-functional collaboration for an elevated guest experience.
• Manage human resources functions, including hiring, onboarding, training, and professional development for culinary team members.
  
  

Safety & Cleanliness

• Oversee HACCP and all food safety documentation, ensuring accurate, current, and compliant records for each location.
• Maintain rigorous standards for cleanliness and organization, instilling best practices in the team.
• Oversee and schedule regular maintenance on all kitchen equipment, with a daily focus on functionality and upkeep.
• Ensure food preparation and facilities adhere to Health Department and Ceremony standards, keeping the space “health inspection ready” at all times.
  
  

Budgets & Financial Controls

• Monitor and analyze sales reports to track performance and growth of the food program.
• Manage product costs to maintain high quality while aligning with budget goals.
• Conduct monthly inventory checks on food supplies and ensure inventory management procedures are followed accurately.
• Adjust stock and par levels seasonally to align with menu changes and customer demand.
• Develop strategic decisions to optimize operations, labor, and inventory, aiming to meet and exceed financial targets.
  
  

Menu Development & Promotion

• Collaborate with the retail and marketing teams to develop and promote innovative, quality-focused menu items.
• Facilitate catering requests, adapting menu offerings to meet client needs and maintain quality.
• Lead seasonal and trend-driven menu updates, using customer feedback to refine offerings.
  
  

Employee Management & Communication

• Create and manage the culinary schedule to ensure coverage, adjusting for absences as needed.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and offer constructive feedback to support professional growth.
• Establish regular communication channels, leading quarterly meetings to maintain team alignment and address updates or challenges.
• Coordinate with Ceremony management to ensure alignment on company-wide goals and resolve issues promptly.
• Actively seek and integrate feedback from the Regional Manager in performance reviews and overall food program strategy.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Culinary experience, preferably in a management or program-focused role.
• Ability to offer and receive constructive feedback to foster team growth.
• Capacity to learn new systems and adapt quickly to operational needs.
• Leadership skills that promote a positive and productive work environment.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to stand for 8-12 hours and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Reliable transportation.