Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discount 50%

Wine discount 40%

Monthly wine tasting for two

Medical, dental, vision, telehealth

401(k) with company match

Health Savings Accounts

Long-Term Disability

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Team member relief program

Wellness support

Everyday Benefits program

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants is seeking a proactive Kitchen Manager to lead a fast-paced scratch kitchen, ensuring top-quality dishes paired with our wines. You will collaborate with the Executive Kitchen Manager to coach hourly Team Members and uphold safety and food standards, driving guest satisfaction and financial results.

You will oversee 1–2 kitchen departments, implement menu rollouts, manage inventory, and contribute to private events including Wine Club dinners, while modeling

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of supervisory experience in a high-volume kitchen.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Minimum age 21 and ability to read/communicate in English.
• Demonstrates financial acumen.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; ServSafe certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 1–2 kitchen departments (dish, prep, line).
• Maintain professional image and safety standards.
• Use POS, scheduling, inventory systems and MS Office to stay organized.
• Assist with new menu roll-outs and private events (Wine Club dinners).

Skills

Supervisory experience

Communication skills

English proficiency

Financial acumen

Microsoft Office

Education

ServSafe Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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.

Kitchen Manager Compensation range is $57,000-$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.

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 1-2 kitchen departments including dish, prep, and/or line
• Maintain a professional image and uphold Cooper’s Hawk culinary and safety standards
• Use tools like POS systems, scheduling software, ordering/inventory systems, and Microsoft Office to stay organized
• Help execute new menu roll-outs, 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.

• Help hire, train, and develop hourly kitchen Team Members on kitchen standards
• Ensure adherence 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

Stay in Sync: Communicate often, move with your team, and keep service flowing.

• Foster strong collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house teams
• Lead department meetings and coach Team Members
• Partner with the Executive Kitchen Manager and General Manager to achieve restaurant goals
• Assist in executing private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinners

Make It Personal: Be genuine, listen well, and tailor the experience.

• Represent Cooper’s Hawk values and create a respectful, inclusive kitchen culture
• Support your team with the tools and training they need to succeed
• Ensure every dish meets our high standards and enhances the guest experience

Add a Touch: Go beyond the expected to create memorable moments.

• Empower your team to take pride in their work and deliver exceptional food
• Celebrate wins, big and small, with your team
• Contribute to a kitchen environment that inspires excellence

What You Will Bring

• 1-2 years of supervisory experience in high volume kitchen in a full-service restaurant environment. 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.