Executive Kitchen Manager

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Executive Kitchen Manager to lead a high-volume scratch kitchen. In this dynamic role, you will drive culinary excellence while fostering a positive team environment. With a focus on operational efficiency, you will manage kitchen staff, oversee menu execution, and ensure compliance with food safety standards. This role offers incredible perks, including discounts on dining and retail wine, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career development. If you thrive in a fast-paced culinary setting and are passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Monthly Dining Allowance

50% Dining and Carryout Discount

40% Retail Wine Discount

Paid Time Off

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Company Matching 401(k)

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Parental Leave

Career Development Opportunities

Luxury Car Incentive

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee overall kitchen operations and team management.
• Lead menu rollouts and ensure food quality and safety standards.

Skills

Kitchen Management

Communication Skills

Financial Acumen

Team Leadership

Food Safety Standards

Education

High School Diploma

ServSafe Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

POS System

Inventory/Ordering Software

Job description

• EKM Compensation range 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 Executive Kitchen Manager, you’ll oversee a fast-paced, high-volume scratch kitchen, driving the culinary execution of our uniquely inspired menu that is thoughtfully paired with our Cooper’s Hawk wines. You’ll provide team leadership and development so you can work together to achieve operational excellence in food quality, consistency, safety and service.

What You’ll Get

• Incredible Discounts:
  • Monthly Dining Allowance
  • 50% Dining and Carryout
  • 40% Retail Wine
  • 20% Retail and Private Events
  • Monthly Complimentary Wine Tasting for Two

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Insurance plus Telemedicine and Wellness Program
• Company Matching 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Flexible Savings Accounts- Health and Dependent Care
• Health Savings Account
• Long-Term Disability; Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (with option to purchase additional coverage)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Highly Competitive Pay plus Team Member Incentives & Rewards
• 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
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Milestones Recognition Program
• 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

What You’ll Do

• Oversee overall kitchen operations
• Partner closely with the Culinary kitchen team to embrace and execute new menu items
• Adhere to policies and manage and train others on standard operating systems and procedures
• Ensure collaboration between kitchen and front of house operations
• Represent company values and create a respectful, positive and professional work environment
• Manage people by:
  • Conducting and overseeing final interviews and approving kitchen team member hiring decisions
  • Introducing and supervising the implementation of kitchen training materials to the team
  • Reviewing and approving schedules to align with forecasting in a timely manner
  • Developing and retaining Managers and Team Members
• Lead menu and system rollouts and kitchen initiatives
• Lead Community meetings based on Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants’ values and have open communication to inspire the team
• Demonstrate depth of knowledge in food quality and recipes
• Execute private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinners
• Maximize financial and operational results
• Work closely with management teams to conduct weekly food inventory
• Effectively operate computer systems including a POS System, Online Team Member Scheduler, Inventory/Ordering software and the Microsoft Office Suite
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment and uphold food safety standards
• Maintain a professional image by adhering to guidelines listed in the Team Member Handbook
• Other duties as assigned

What You’ll Need

• 2-3 years of kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant. Scratch kitchen experience preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• 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

Please visit the benefits section in our Cooper's Hawk career site for more detailed benefits information.

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 Winery & Restaurants was created with the inspiration of bringing the Napa Valley experience to all of America, by combining an elegant tasting room with a polished casual restaurant and scratch kitchen. Cooper's Hawk wines have won hundreds of awards and are the Official Wines of the Screen Actors Guild Awards. We are built upon the belief that food and wine hold the power to forge a COMMUNITY, and with the world’s largest wine club membership, we are paving the way to democratizing the good life!