Executive Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants; Oak Lawn (IL); On-site; USD 84,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% Dining and Carryout Discount

401(k) with Company Match

Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Career Development Opportunities

Job summary

A leading culinary establishment in Oak Lawn is seeking an Executive Kitchen Manager to lead a high-volume kitchen and ensure excellence in food quality and guest experience. The ideal candidate has 2-3 years of kitchen management experience and a passion for hospitality. This position offers a competitive salary of $84,000-$100,000/year plus bonus potential, flexible hours, and multiple employee benefits.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant.
• Scratch kitchen experience preferred.
• Must have the ability to work 50-60 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Oversee overall kitchen operations and lead the culinary team.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Ensure strong collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house operations.

Skills

Kitchen Management

Communication Skills

Financial Acumen

Team Leadership

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

POS Systems

Job description

Join to apply for the Executive Kitchen Manager role at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants

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 $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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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
• 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 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!