Executive Kitchen Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly Dining Allowance

50% Dining and Carryout

40% Retail Wine

20% Retail and Private Events

Monthly Complimentary Wine Tasting for

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants is seeking an Executive Kitchen Manager in Woodbridge, VA to lead a fast-paced scratch kitchen and drive culinary execution of a distinctive menu aligned with Cooper’s Hawk wines.

You will provide team leadership, ensure operational excellence in food quality, safety, and service, and collaborate with kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English.
• Demonstrates financial acumen.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Preferred ServSafe and state/local licensing.
• Must lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long hours.
• Must work 50-60 hours per week, including weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee overall kitchen operations.
• Partner with Culinary kitchen team to execute new menu items.
• Adhere to policies and manage and train others on SOPs.
• Ensure collaboration between kitchen and front of house operations.
• Maintain a respectful, positive, and professional work environment.
• Lead hiring, schedules, and development of Managers and Team Members.
• Lead menu and system rollouts and kitchen initiatives.
• Coordinate private events and monthly themed Wine Club dinners.
• Maximize financial and operational results.
• Manage weekly food inventory and use of systems (POS, scheduling, Inventory).
• Uphold food safety standards and professional image.

Skills

Kitchen management

Communication

English proficiency

Financial acumen

Microsoft Office

ServSafe (preferred)

Tools

POS System

Inventory/Ordering software

Microsoft Office Suite

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
• GMs and EKMs participate in a Team Member Development program to earn a $20,000 cash incentive
• 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 Piccolo Buco’s 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

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.