Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants; Algonquin (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discount 50%

Wine discount 40%

Medical, dental, vision, telehealth

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants is seeking an Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager to lead a high-volume scratch kitchen, working with the Executive Kitchen Manager to ensure food quality, consistency, and safety. The role emphasizes leadership, training, and execution to deliver an outstanding guest experience and grow the culinary team.

The position offers a compensation range of $70,000-$80,000 per year plus 10% bonus potential, with final salary based on experience, skillset, and

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of management experience in a full-service restaurant environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Direct kitchen operations, including Kitchen Managers and Team Members across dish, prep, and line stations.
• Review schedules and manage assigned operating systems.
• Lead kitchen training, food execution, new menu roll-outs and system initiatives.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment and uphold food safety standards.
• Oversee supply ordering and inventory.

Skills

Management experience

Leadership

Team coaching

Communication

English proficiency

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling software

Inventory systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

As an Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager at Cooper’s Hawk, you’ll help lead a high-volume, scratch kitchen where culinary creativity meets operational excellence. You’ll partner closely with the Executive Kitchen Manager to ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and safety while coaching and inspiring your team. With a focus on leadership, training, and execution, you’ll help deliver an outstanding guest experience and support the growth of our culinary team.

Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager compensation range is $70,000-$80,000/year + 10% bonus potential. The final offered salary will be based on several factors, including but not limited to the candidate's depth of experience, skill set, qualifications, and internal pay equity.

What You Will Get

• 50 percent Dining and Carryout Discount; 40 percent Retail Wine Discount; 20 percent Discount on Retail and Private Events
• Monthly Complimentary Wine Tasting for Two
• Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision and Telehealth plus Wellness Discount
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Health & Flexible Savings Accounts- Health and Dependent Care
• Long-Term Disability; Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (with option to purchase additional coverage)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Access to Team Member Relief Program
• Wellness and Mental Health Support
• “Everyday Benefits” Program to include insurance coverage (pet, life, auto, home/property) and employee discounts on goods and services
• Team Member Rewards, Milestone Recognition and Referral Bonuses
• Career Development Opportunities

How You Will Succeed

Show Up Ready: Come prepared, stay sharp, and start strong.

• Direct kitchen operations, including Kitchen Managers and Team Members across dish, prep, and line stations
• Review schedules and manage assigned operating systems
• Use tools like POS systems, scheduling software, ordering/inventory systems, and Microsoft Office to stay organized
• Conduct line checks, create prep lists, and oversee supply ordering and inventory
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment and uphold food safety standards
• Lead kitchen training, food execution, new menu roll-outs and system initiatives

Own What You See

Take responsibility, jump in, and do what needs to be done.

• Participate in hourly kitchen Team Member hiring
• Conduct side-by-sides with Team Members to support development and performance
• Be accountable for food preparation knowledge and quality standards
• Assist with weekly inventory procedures and maximize financial results

Stay in Sync

Communicate often, move with your team, and keep service flowing.

• Ensure strong communication and collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house operations to ensure smooth operations
• Lead Community meetings and coach Managers to align on goals and execution
• Partner with the Executive Kitchen Manager and General Manager to drive results
• Execute private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinner

Make It Personal

Be genuine, listen well, and tailor the experience.

• Represent Cooper’s Hawk values and create a respectful, positive, and professional kitchen culture
• Develop and retain Kitchen Managers and Team Members through coaching and mentorship
• Add a Touch: Go beyond the expected to create memorable moments.
• Lead by example and inspire pride in culinary standards, excellence and execution
• Celebrate team wins and milestones

What You Will Bring

• 2-3 years of management experience in a full-service restaurant environment. Scratch kitchen experience preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A minimum age requirement of 21 years
• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English
• Demonstrates financial acumen
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Preferred certifications include ServSafe and state/local licensing requirements
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to stand for at least 10 hours per shift
• Must have the ability to work 50-60 hours per week
• Must be able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and some holidays

Cooper’s Hawk reviews several factors when establishing compensation. Salaries and hourly wages appearing in a job posting may be published by third parties and may not reflect the salaries or hourly wages offered by Cooper’s Hawk.

Cooper’s Hawk is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Cooper’s Hawk makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process.

The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. The Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply.

About Us

Cooper's Hawk features a Napa-style tasting room with wine-inspired retail for entertaining and a full-service restaurant, bar and private event space, offering a modern-yet-casual dining experience. Each scratch-kitchen menu item is designed to pair with our wines. Speaking of wine...the Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is perhaps the largest in the world, offering not only top-notch award-winning wines but also exclusive Wine Club membership benefits, including curated dining and travel experiences. Since 2005, we've brought the Napa Valley experience to our guests and Wine Club members, and now, with Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk, we’re bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to them as well. Together, we’re creating a lifestyle brand like no other.