Kitchen Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

What you’ll do
This is an opportunity to lead and grow Nimbus Chicago, taking full ownership of the facility’s and the market’s success with a high degree of autonomy. As the Chicago Kitchen Operations Manager, you’ll oversee the end-to-end operations of our shared commercial kitchen, ensuring an exceptional member experience and strong financial performance.

This hands-on, on-site role combines hospitality, operations, and leadership. You’ll own all facets of the facility and serve as the primary link between Chicago and our support office, driving growth, consistency, and operational excellence.

This position is based on-site five days a week and is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Operations & Facility Management

• Oversee all day-to-day facility operations, ensuring a clean, organized, and fully functional environment that meets health, safety, and regulatory standards.

• Own the repair process from issue identification through vendor coordination and resolution.

• Monitor equipment and inventory, reporting issues, replenishing supplies, and assisting with small fixes (e.g., lighting a pilot light, plunging a drain, changing a bulb).

• Implement cost-saving measures and optimize resource allocation to stay within budget while maintaining operational excellence.

• Post signage and communicate announcements to ensure clear and timely member communication.

• Continuously refine processes around maintenance, inventory, safety, and cleanliness to ensure efficiency and consistency.

• Monitor compliance with Department of Health, Department of Buildings, and Fire Department standards; conduct regular audits and inspections to address issues proactively.

Member Experience & Customer Success

• Serve as the main point of contact for members, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and maintaining strong relationships in a timely and professional manner.

• Monitor daily activity and member shifts, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and operational standards are upheld at all times.

• Anticipate member needs by observing kitchen operations and responding proactively to cues.

• Ensure all members understand and comply with Nimbus policies and procedures, using internal systems to maintain smooth operations and accountability.

• Partner with the sales and marketing teams to support member retention and satisfaction, contributing to a positive and collaborative community.

Sales & Growth Support

• Conduct facility tours for prospective members, showcasing Nimbus’s offerings and answering operational questions.

• Build and manage lead lists, actively identifying potential clients and supporting outreach efforts to drive occupancy.

Financial Management

• Collaborate with finance to develop and manage the facility’s budget and P&L, ensuring alignment with company objectives.

• Track and manage vendor invoices while collaborating with the team to identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost-reduction initiatives.

Requirements

• CDPH Foodservice Sanitation Manager Certificate

• Proven experience in food & beverage, hospitality, and / or facility operations management

• Highly punctual, responsible, and dependable; comfortable working autonomously in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to sit, stand, and move for extended periods; must be able to lift up to 30 lbs and participate in hands-on operational work as needed

Who you are

• A proactive problem solver who anticipates challenges and takes initiative to ensure smooth, efficient operations

• An effective communicator who collaborates seamlessly across teams to coordinate logistics, implement systems, and resolve issues quickly

• Relationship-driven, with a track record of building trust and delivering an exceptional member or customer experience

• Financially minded, skilled in tracking performance metrics, identifying cost savings, and managing budgets responsibly

• Able to balance hands-on facility management with strategic decision-making, maintaining both day-to-day excellence and long-term focus

• A motivated, self-directed operator with a gritty, roll-up-your-sleeves mentality and enthusiasm for tackling challenges head-on

• Professional and humble, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and service-oriented work culture

• Comfortable working in a commercial kitchen environment and collaborating with chefs, entrepreneurs, and vendors on-site

You’ll love working at Nimbus because:

• We care about our people: we offer comprehensive insurance coverage (health, vision, dental, and life) as well as paid vacation and sick time

• We want to see you grow: Nimbus is growing quickly, and we want you to do the same; whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise in your current role or explore new areas within the organization, we encourage and support your aspirations.

• We offer competitive compensation packages: we value the talent our team brings to the table; fair and equitable total compensation packages are part of our commitment to everyone who works here.

Compensation:

$25 / hour + sales commission

Sales Commission: For every one of your sales leads that converts to Closed Won, you will receive the initiation fee: $500 for dedicated and standard members, and $250 for one-off members. Commissions will be paid out 10 business days after the lead is converted to Closed Won.

Nimbus is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The diversity of Nimbus’s employees and members are a tremendous asset. We come from all around the world and represent a variety of cultures, experiences, and diverse backgrounds. Creating a space where all feel welcome is at the heart of our mission and culture.

Company DescriptionNimbus is an innovative co-cooking company that blends hourly and long-term kitchen rentals with events programming, enabling food businesses to launch new concepts, scale production, and build direct relationships with their customers -- all with minimal risk and low capital commitment.

We’ve partnered with leading brands including DoorDash, noma, and Jersey Mike’s, while supporting hundreds of small and emerging chefs, bakers, and food entrepreneurs in growing their businesses.

Nimbus currently operates four established kitchens across New York City and has recently expanded into Chicago River North.

Company Description

Nimbus is an innovative co-cooking company that blends hourly and long-term kitchen rentals with events programming, enabling food businesses to launch new concepts, scale production, and build direct relationships with their customers -- all with minimal risk and low capital commitment.\r\n\r\nWe’ve partnered with leading brands including DoorDash, noma, and Jersey Mike’s, while supporting hundreds of small and emerging chefs, bakers, and food entrepreneurs in growing their businesses.\r\n\r\nNimbus currently operates four established kitchens across New York City and has recently expanded into Chicago River North.