About Lab37

Lab37 is building a new kind of restaurant operation, combining great food, technology, and efficient kitchen systems to create a more scalable model for food service.

We're a fast-moving team focused on improving how restaurants operate. Our kitchens use technology and automation to support food production, and we're constantly testing, refining, and improving our processes.

We're looking for a hands-on Kitchen Manager who can lead our Lawndale kitchen team, maintain high operational standards, and help us build a strong foundation as we grow.

About the Role

As Kitchen Manager, you'll own daily operations at our Lawndale kitchen, ensuring the team is supported, food is prepared consistently, and service runs smoothly.

This is a hands-on leadership role that balances working alongside the Lawndale team with coaching shift leads, planning staffing and production, and maintaining accountability for the location. You'll jump into prep or service when needed while building a team that can execute consistently.

You'll own staff scheduling, inventory accuracy, ordering, training, and performance standards for Lawndale, working closely with shift leads and operations leadership.

We're looking for someone who leads by example, communicates clearly, embraces technology, and is comfortable working in a rapidly evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Food Preparation

Support ingredient preparation and daily production during training, peak periods, or staffing gaps while maintaining management oversight.
Oversee prep quality, consistency, food safety, cleanliness, and kitchen organization.
Ensure prep targets are met and the kitchen is adequately stocked for service.
Operate and troubleshoot kitchen equipment, including automated cooking systems.
Identify operational inefficiencies and help implement practical improvements.
Balance hands-on production support with coaching, daily readiness, and resolution of recurring operational issues at Lawndale.

Team Leadership & Development

Supervise, coach, and support shift leads and kitchen staff at Lawndale.
Own weekly schedules, coordinate coverage, monitor labor hours, and proactively address staffing gaps.
Train employees on recipes, equipment, food safety, and standard operating procedures.
Provide regular coaching, feedback, and performance management.
Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable team environment.
Lead by example and maintain a calm, solutions-oriented approach during challenging situations.

Inventory, Ordering & Cost Control

Manage routine ingredient, packaging, and supply ordering.
Monitor inventory levels, conduct counts, and maintain accurate records.
Minimize waste, prevent stockouts, and ensure proper product rotation.
Work with vendors to resolve routine delivery and product issues.
Monitor food and labor costs through efficient scheduling, ordering, inventory controls, and production planning.

Technology & Process Improvement

Use digital tools to manage prep, inventory, scheduling, and daily kitchen workflows.
Troubleshoot routine software and equipment issues, escalating when necessary.
Help test and implement new operational processes and technologies, and track whether changes improve execution.
Provide feedback on kitchen tools, workflows, and opportunities for improvement.
Ensure teams consistently follow established SOPs and operating standards.

Location Ownership & Operational Accountability

Maintain consistent execution and accountability at Lawndale by developing shift leads, establishing clear expectations, and following up on performance.
Monitor kitchen performance indicators including food safety, prep completion, order accuracy, labor efficiency, inventory accuracy, waste, and staff performance. Identify recurring problems and implement corrective actions with shift leads.
Support shift leads in resolving daily operational challenges.
Help onboard and train new employees as the company grows.
Support the Lawndale launch, menu rollouts, and ongoing operational improvements.