Lead Kitchen Manager: Scratch Kitchen & Wine Pairings

Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining discount

Wine discounts

Medical, prescription, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Wellness program

Life and AD&D insurance

Team member rewards

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead a fast-paced, scratch kitchen and drive culinary execution in alignment with our wine-forward hospitality concept.

You will mentor and develop a team, oversee kitchen operations, and partner with the Executive Kitchen Manager to deliver outstanding guest experiences while maintaining high food quality and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of supervisory kitchen experience in a high-volume restaurant.
• Passion for culinary excellence and hospitality.
• Adaptability and ability to lead through change.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building to deliver Uncompromising Hospitality.
• Minimum age 21 years and ability to read/communicate in English.
• Demonstrates financial acumen and budget awareness.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Preferred ServSafe certification and state/local licensing.
• Frequent weekends/holidays; able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand long hours.
• Able to work 50-60 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 1–2 kitchen departments (dish, prep, line).
• Execute new menu roll-outs, kitchen initiatives and private events.
• Hire, train and develop hourly kitchen Team Members.
• Foster growth by coaching and providing training.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial acumen

English proficiency

Flexibility

Education

ServSafe certification

State/local licensing

Tools

MS Office Suite

POS systems

Scheduling software

Inventory systems

Job description

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead a fast-paced, scratch kitchen and drive culinary execution in alignment with our wine-forward hospitality concept.

You will mentor and develop a team, oversee kitchen operations, and partner with the Executive Kitchen Manager to deliver outstanding guest experiences while maintaining high food quality and operational excellence.