Executive Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discount

Wine discount

Monthly wine tasting for two

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Wellness support

Career development

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants is seeking an Executive Kitchen Manager to lead a fast-paced, high-volume scratch kitchen. You will drive culinary execution, coach the team, and ensure excellence in food quality, safety, and service while upholding uncompromising hospitality.

The compensation range is $85,000-$100,000 per year with a 15% bonus potential. The final salary depends on experience, skills, and internal pay equity.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Oversee overall kitchen operations and lead the culinary team.
• Collaborate with Culinary team to implement new menu items.
• Utilize POS, scheduling, inventory systems, and MS Office for organization.
• Maintain a safe, clean, compliant work environment and uphold food safety standards.
• Lead menu rollouts and private events, including Wine Club dinners.

Skills

Kitchen management

Food safety

Communication

Education

ServSafe certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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.

Executive Kitchen Manager Compensation range is $85,000-$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.

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.

• Oversee overall kitchen operations and lead the culinary team


• Partner with the Culinary team to embrace and execute new menu items


• Use 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


• Lead menu rollouts, kitchen initiatives, and private events, including monthly Wine Club dinners

Own What You See

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

• Oversee final interviews and approve kitchen Team Member hiring decisions


• Introduce and supervise the implementation of kitchen training materials


• Review and approve schedules aligned with labor forecasting


• Demonstrate deep knowledge of food quality, recipes, and kitchen systems


• Maximize financial and operational results through effective planning and execution

Stay in Sync

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

• Ensure strong collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house operations


• Lead Community meetings and foster open communication across the team


• Work closely with management teams to conduct weekly food inventory


• Partner with the General Manager and other leaders to achieve restaurant goals


• Ensure adherence to policies; manage and train others on standard operating systems/ procedures

Make It Personal

Be genuine, listen well, and tailor the experience.

• Represent Cooper’s Hawk values and by creating a respectful, positive, and professional kitchen culture


• Develop and retain Managers and Team Members through coaching/mentorship


• Ensure every dish reflects our commitment to quality and uncompromising hospitality

Add a Touch

Go beyond the expected to create memorable moments.

• Inspire the team to take pride in their work and deliver exceptional food


• Celebrate team achievements and milestones


• Lead with passion and foster a kitchen environment that values excellence

What You Will Need

• 2-3 years of kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant. 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.