Pitmaster

Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse — Houma Location

Position: Full-Time, Hourly
Reports To: Production Manager

Position Summary

The Pitmaster is responsible for preparing, smoking, and handling Big Mike’s BBQ meats according to established recipes, production procedures, and quality standards. This role requires dependable attendance, careful planning, and consistent attention to every product—from preparation through service.

The Pitmaster must learn and follow Big Mike’s processes and take ownership of delivering safe, properly cooked, high-quality BBQ every day.

Schedule and Availability

This position requires availability for shifts across all restaurant operating hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled. Early morning or other production shifts may be required to accommodate smoking times and business needs.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The role involves prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving meat, supplies, and equipment. Work takes place around heat, smoke, hot surfaces, sharp tools, and refrigerated storage areas. Essential duties must be performed safely, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role means consistently following our processes, meeting production needs, maintaining food safety and cleanliness, controlling waste, and delivering BBQ that meets Big Mike’s quality standards every time.

• Prepare, season, and smoke meats according to approved recipes and procedures.

• Operate smokers and related equipment safely, maintaining proper cooking temperatures and monitoring product throughout the cooking process.

• Follow production plans to meet expected sales, catering orders, and service needs.

• Coordinate cooking schedules so products are ready when needed.

• Check meats for proper doneness, tenderness, flavor, appearance, and yield before releasing them for service.

• Follow established portioning, holding, cooling, reheating, labeling, and storage procedures.

• Complete required temperature logs and production records accurately.

• Communicate product availability, shortages, delays, and quality concerns promptly to the Production Manager.

• Track and report waste, production quantities, and product yields as directed.

• Maintain a clean, organized pit room, including smokers, tools, work surfaces, and storage areas.

• Report equipment problems and maintenance needs promptly.

• Work with the kitchen team to support consistent food quality and timely service.

Recipes, ingredients, portions, cooking methods, and presentation may not be changed without owner approval.

• Willingness and ability to learn and consistently execute Big Mike’s smoking and production processes.

• Strong attention to detail and pride in food quality.

• Dependable attendance and the ability to manage time effectively.

• Ability to follow instructions, accept coaching, and communicate clearly.

• Ability to work independently while coordinating with the kitchen team.

• BBQ, meat preparation, or commercial kitchen experience is preferred.

• Completion of assigned training and demonstrated proficiency in required tasks.

Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse is a Louisiana-grown hospitality company entering its next stage of growth. For more than 18 years, we have built a strong local brand around great barbecue, genuine hospitality, and a commitment to getting better every day.

We are building more than restaurants—we are building an organization with stronger systems, higher standards, and leaders who can drive performance at scale.

Our mission is to serve great barbecue, take care of people, and operate restaurants we are proud of. Our vision is to become one of Louisiana’s most respected hospitality brands without losing the authenticity and independence that made us successful.

We are looking for leaders who can build teams, create accountability, improve execution, and take ownership of results. Big Mike’s offers the rare opportunity to step into an established brand, influence the future of the company, and help build something designed to last.