Kitchen Specialist

Job Summary
The Kitchen Specialist is responsible for maintaining a neat, clean, and orderly (NCO) kitchen environment. This role includes managing inventory, ensuring cleanliness, and organizing kitchen spaces and equipment to uphold the highest standards of hygiene and functionality. The Kitchen Specialist ensures the seamless operation of the kitchen by managing cleanliness, inventory, and organization. This role supports the culinary team by maintaining a clean and efficient workspace and adhering to safety and hygiene standards, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the kitchen operations.      

The ideal candidate will:

• Take initiative to keep the kitchen running smoothly without constant supervision.
• Demonstrate pride in maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient workspace.

• Be dependable, punctual, and committed to supporting the team.
• Show flexibility and a positive attitude when handling unexpected tasks or changes.
• Be passionate about food quality, safety, and consistency.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with team members and leadership.
• Be eager to learn and grow within the kitchen environment.

     
Duties and Responsibilities (other duties as assigned)
 

 Kitchen Organization & Cleanliness

• Clean and organize all shelving with equipment and small wares.
• Clean and organize food and spice cabinets.
• Maintain a clean working space, including kitchen, prep areas, cook lines, walk-ins, and dish areas.
• Sweep and mop floors regularly.
• Take out trash and recycling as needed.
• Maintain clean dishes throughout the kitchen.
• Maintain clean laundry, including towels and aprons.

Inventory & Supplies

• Track, order, and receive inventory of food, supplies, and kitchen tools.
• Manage all product inventory, ensuring accurate stock levels.
• Make grocery store runs as needed to support kitchen operations.

Daily Kitchen Operations

• Set up the kitchen for daily production, ensuring all stations are ready.
• Fill and dispense drink coolers.
• Manage all dough preparation and handling according to specifications.
• Break down and clean the kitchen at the end of each shift.
• Support any kitchen work as requested or required by the team.

Operational Oversight

• Responsible for overall kitchen operations including:
• Maintaining optimal inventory levels.
• Overseeing proper food preparation techniques.
• Ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation regulations.
• Setting and managing work and cleaning schedules.
• Monitoring waste levels and food cost

Event & Special Project Support

• Provide kitchen and logistical support for:
  • Central Location Testing (CLT) and Focus Groups
  • Executive Leadership Events
  • Board of Directors Meetings
  • Supplier Showings
• Ensure food and beverage service is timely, professional, and aligned with event expectations.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet event-specific culinary needs.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Culinary training or certification preferred but not required.
• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a commercial kitchen or food service environment.
• Experience with inventory management and kitchen sanitation practices is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (for grocery runs) preferred.

Functional Skills

• Attention to Detail: Maintains high standards of cleanliness and organization.
• Time Management: Efficiently prioritizes tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Team Collaboration: Works well with others and supports team goals.
• Problem Solving: Quickly identifies and resolves issues in kitchen operations.
• Inventory Control: Accurately tracks and manages stock levels.
• Adaptability: Responds flexibly to changing kitchen needs and priorities.
• Communication: Clearly communicates with team members and supervisors.
• Food Safety Knowledge: Understands and applies food handling and sanitation standards.

Our Values
• EVERYONE BELONGS – We believe connectedness and belonging are the essential ingredients to our success.
• DO THE RIGHT THING –We are relentlessly focused on quality and integrity and make the right choices, even when it's difficult.
• PEOPLE FIRST – To craft positive experiences for our customers, we take care of each other first.
• INNOVATE TO WIN – We champion and challenge for a better way in all we do.
• HAVE FUN – We find joy, create meaningful impact and celebrate the journey together

Our Core Competencies
• CUSTOMER CENTRIC - We leverage data and insights to craft a customer experience that builds relationships, cultivates trust, and delivers excellence
• RESULTS DRIVEN – We focus on measurable outcomes by remaining optimistic, tenacious, and persistent even in the face of challenges.
• CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT –We champion for better through strategic risk taking, experimentation and challenging the status quo.
• BIAS FOR ACTION – We courageously lead, drive towards decisions, and maintain agility to meet the demands of our dynamic industry.
• WINNING TOGETHER – We work together to unlock our full potential by actively collaborating and contributing in a cross-functional capacity
     
Papa Johns is an equal opportunity employer.