Executive Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk Winery; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 84,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining and carryout discount 50%

Wine discount 40%

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Telemedicine and wellness program

Long-term disability

Employee assistance program

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery is hiring an Executive Kitchen Manager to lead a fast-paced scratch kitchen and drive the culinary execution of our inspired menu, paired with our wines. You’ll serve as culinary leader and coach, guiding your team to ensure food quality, safety, and exceptional hospitality.

You will oversee kitchen operations, mentor managers, and roll out new menus and private events while maintaining a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of kitchen management in a full-service restaurant.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills to build high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to execute scratch kitchen concepts with culinary excellence.
• Must be able to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays.
• Read, understand and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Direct kitchen operations across all stations and supervising Kitchen Managers and team members.
• Lead new menu rollouts, kitchen initiatives, and private events.
• Oversee hiring decisions and performance management.
• Mentor managers through coaching and feedback.
• Foster growth and learning opportunities for the team.
• Maintain compliance with safety and quality standards.

Skills

Kitchen management

Leadership

Mentorship

Communication

English proficiency

Team development

Education

ServSafe certification

State/local licensing

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Compensation range for this role is $84,000-$100,000/year + 15% 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.

As an Executive Kitchen Manager at Cooper’s Hawk, you’ll lead a fast-paced, high-volume scratch kitchen, driving the culinary execution of our uniquely inspired menu, thoughtfully paired with our wines. You’ll be the culinary leader and coach, partnering with your team to ensure excellence in food quality, consistency, safety, and service. With a focus on uncompromising hospitality, you’ll help shape a kitchen culture that delivers memorable guest and Team Member experiences.

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: Centered on growth, mentorship and creating career pathways for all.

• Uphold performance management standards by directing kitchen operations, including Kitchen Managers and Team Members across all stations
• Lead new menu rollouts, kitchen initiatives, and private events, including monthly Wine Club dinners
• Oversee final interviews and approve kitchen Team Member hiring decisions
• Mentor and develop managers through coaching, feedback, and clear performance expectations
• Foster a growth mindset by creating opportunities for learning, development, and career progression
• Communicate with clarity, actively listen, and build strong relationships across the team
• Lead with self-awareness by modeling accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement
• Lead all Kitchen Management and Hourly Team Members as a role model of Cooper's Hawk Values and behaviors

Master Operator

Focused on efficiency, execution, and process excellence.

• Review and approve schedules aligned with labor forecasting to drive operational excellence
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of food quality, recipes, and kitchen systems
• Maximize financial and operational results through effective business acumen, planning and execution
• Demonstrate discipline using tools like POS systems, scheduling software, inventory/ordering systems, and Microsoft Office to stay organized
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment and uphold food safety standards
• Work closely with management teams to conduct weekly food inventory
• Ensure adherence and accountability to policies; manage and train others on discipline for standard operating systems/ procedures
• Adapt quickly to changing business needs while maintaining operational excellence

Community Cultivator

Emphasizes connections, team member and guest experience, and brand advocacy.

• Foster collaboration across restaurant teams and lead with open, respectful communication
• Lead Community meetings and facilitate open communication across the team
• Partner with the General Manager and other leaders to achieve restaurant goals and operational success

• Represent Cooper’s Hawk values and by creating a respectful, positive, and professional kitchen culturnsur e every dish reflects our commitment to quality and uncompromising hospitality
• 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 Need

• 2-3 years of kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant. Scratch kitchen experience preferred
• A passion for culinary excellence
• Adaptability and the ability to lead teams through change.
• A minimum age requirement of 21 years
• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with a passion for delivering Uncompromising Hospitality and developing high-performing teams
• Is results-driven; able to coach team to hit restaurant targets (i.e. Wine Club Community growth) with a strong business acumen and financial decision-making skills
• 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.