Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk Winery; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining and wine discounts

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Cooper's Hawk Winery is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead a fast-paced, scratch kitchen and drive culinary execution to pair with our wines. You will work closely with the Executive Kitchen Manager to deliver exceptional hospitality while coaching team members for high food quality and guest satisfaction.

You will oversee multiple kitchen sections, implement new menus, and hire/train staff. The role emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and operational excellence in a renowned winery restaurant

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of supervisory experience in a high-volume kitchen.
• Scratch kitchen experience preferred.
• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English.
• Must be able to work flexible shifts including weekends/holidays.
• Lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long hours.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 1–2 kitchen departments (dish, prep, line).
• Execute new menu roll-outs and kitchen initiatives.
• Hire, train, and develop hourly kitchen team members.
• Foster a growth-mindset and provide tools/training for success.
• Coach through feedback and set clear performance expectations.
• Collaborate with leadership to achieve restaurant goals.

Skills

Team leadership

People development

Communication

English proficiency

Financial acumen

MS Office

Tools

POS systems

Scheduling software

Inventory systems

Job description

Compensation range for this role is $55,000-$65,000/year + 10% 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 Kitchen Manager, you will help lead the way in our fast-paced, high-volume, scratch kitchen, driving the culinary execution of our uniquely inspired menu with items thoughtfully paired with our Cooper's Hawk wines. You will partner closely with the Executive Kitchen Manager to deliver uncompromising hospitality, while coaching and inspiring our Team Members to ensure high food quality and a memorable guest experience.

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.

• Oversee 1–2 kitchen departments including dish, prep, and/or line
• Help to execute new menu roll-outs, kitchen initiatives, and private events, including monthly Wine Club dinners
• Help hire, train, and develop hourly kitchen Team Members on kitchen standards
• Foster a growth-mindset environment by supporting your team with the tools and training they need to succeed
• Mentor and develop Team Members through coaching, feedback, and clear performance expectations
• Communicate with clarity, actively listen, and build strong relationships across the team

Master Operator: Focused on efficiency, execution, and process excellence.

• Ensure adherence and accountability to food safety, sanitation, and kitchen policies
• Be accountable for prep and line knowledge to drive financial and operational results
• Assist with weekly inventory and labor management
• Demonstrate discipline for systems and tools like POS systems, scheduling software, ordering/inventory systems, and Microsoft Office to stay organized
• Partner with the Executive Kitchen Manager and General Manager to achieve restaurant goals
• Ensure every dish meets our high standards and enhances the guest experience with Uncompromising Hospitality
• Adapt quickly to changing business needs while maintaining operational excellence
• Contribute to a kitchen environment that inspires operational excellence

Community Cultivator: Emphasizes connections, team member and guest experience, and brand advocacy.

• Foster collaboration across restaurant teams in both Kitchen and Front of House Operations and lead with open, respectful communication
• Lead department meetings and coach Team Members to uphold professionalism and a passion for culinary excellence
• Assist in executing private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinners

• Represent Cooper's Hawk values and create a respectful, inclusive kitchen culture

• Maintain a professional image and uphold Cooper's Hawk culinary and safety standards
• 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 Bring

• 1-2 years of supervisory experience in high volume kitchen in a full-service restaurant environment. Scratch kitchen experience preferred.
• A passion for culinary excellence
• Adaptability and the ability to lead teams through change.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with a passion for delivering Uncompromising Hospitality and developing others
• 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 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.