Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discount

Wine discount

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Wellness program

Team member rewards

Annual conference

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants is seeking an experienced Kitchen Leader to drive culinary operations, develop talent, and uphold hospitality standards across dish, prep and line stations. You will train teams, roll out new menus, and mentor managers to achieve performance goals.

Responsibilities include overseeing scheduling, inventory, and food safety while maintaining a high-energy, guest‑centric dining experience.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of management experience in a full‑service restaurant environment (Scratch kitchen experience preferred).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to coach and develop leaders through feedback and performance management.
• Must be able to work flexible shifts including weekends and some holidays.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for long shifts (10+ hours).

Responsibilities

• Direct kitchen operations across dish, prep, and line stations as People Developer.
• Lead kitchen training, food execution, new menu rollouts and system initiatives.
• Mentor and develop Kitchen Managers and Team Members through coaching and feedback.
• Foster collaboration across restaurant teams and maintain Uncompromising Hospitality.
• Drive operational excellence and disciplined execution across scheduling, inventory, and policy adherence.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Training

Operations

Microsoft Office

ServSafe (preferred)

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling software

Inventory systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Compensation range for this role is $70,000-$83,000/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 Insurance plus Telemedicine and Wellness Program
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Supplemental Health Coverage (Voluntary Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Critical Illness)
• 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
• Employee Assistance Program, providing mental health, legal and financial counseling
• “Everyday Benefits” Program to include insurance coverage (pet, life, auto, home/property) and employee discounts on goods and services
• Team Member Rewards, Tenure Recognition and Referral Bonuses
• Luxury Car Incentive for Team Member Development for General Managers and Executive Kitchen Managers
• Annual Destination Conference for General Managers and Executive Kitchen Managers
• Career Development Opportunities

How You Will Succeed

People Developer

• Uphold performance management standards by directing kitchen operations, including Kitchen Managers and Team Members across dish, prep, and line stations
• Lead kitchen training, food execution, new menu roll-outs and system initiatives
• Participate in hourly kitchen Team Member hiring
• Foster a growth mindset by conducting side-by-sides with Team Members to support development and performance
• Mentor and develop Kitchen Managers and Team Members through coaching, feedback, and clear performance expectations
• Communicate with clarity, actively listen, and build strong relationships across the team

Master Operator

• Be accountable for food preparation knowledge and quality standards
• Assist with weekly inventory procedures and maximize financial results
• Review schedules and manage assigned operating systems
• Demonstrate a disciplined use of 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
• Take ownership of operational results by ensuring policies, systems, and standards are consistently followed
• Adapt quickly to changing business needs while maintaining operational excellence
• Drive disciplined execution through planning, prioritization, and follow-through

Community Cultivator

• Foster collaboration across restaurant teams in both Kitchen and Front of House Operations and lead with open, respectful communication
• Lead Community meetings and coach Managers to align on goals that drive operational success
• Execute private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinner
• Represent Cooper’s Hawk values and create a respectful, positive, and professional kitchen culture
• Deliver Uncompromising Hospitality by creating memorable Team Member and Guest experiences at every shift
• Lead change with confidence, helping the team adapt while maintaining focus and performance
• Model professionalism and passion for culinary excellence while celebrating team successes

What You Will Bring

• 2-3 years of management experience in a full-service restaurant environment. Scratch kitchen experience preferred
• A Passion for Culinary Excellence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A minimum age requirement of 21 years
• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English
• Proven ability to coach and develop leaders through feedback and performance management.
• Adaptability and the ability to lead teams through change.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with a passion for delivering Uncompromising Hospitality and developing high-performing teams
• Demonstrates financial acumen
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Preferred certifications include ServSafe and state/local licensing requirements
• Must be able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and some holidays
• 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

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.