Manager of Team Member Experience

Cooper's Hawk Winery; Algonquin (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dining & wine discounts

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Cooper’s Hawk Winery seeks a Manager of Team Member Experience to lead onboarding, training, and talent development. You will ensure positive onboarding, foster growth, and align with brand values while supporting HR processes and performance management across the restaurant.

This role emphasizes people development, engagement, and operational excellence. You will partner with leadership to implement structured training, keep turnover low, and create a workplace where Team Members feel valued

Qualifications

• Experience in restaurant management or training roles is required.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential.
• Ability to develop career pathways and mentor team members.

Responsibilities

• Oversee onboarding and offboarding to ensure a positive experience.
• Collaborate with trainers and managers on training programs and performance standards.
• Drive new-hire onboarding check-ins at 2 weeks, 45 days, and 90 days.

Skills

People leadership

Training & onboarding

Communication

HR policy knowledge

Tools

Paylocity

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 a Manager of Team Member Experience at Cooper’s Hawk, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the journey of our Team Members—from their first day to every milestone along the way. As a standard bearer of the brand, you’ll lead initiatives that attract, connect, engage, and retain top talent, all while promoting our company values and supporting the growth of our business. With a focus on hiring, training, onboarding, recognition, engagement, talent development, and HR support, you’ll help create a workplace where Team Members feel valued, supported, and inspired.

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.

• Ensure onboarding and offboarding processes are timely, organized, and positive
• Participate in orientations and ensure training materials and uniforms are available
• Foster a growth mindset by tracking and analyzing time-in-position data and identify training and development opportunities
• Ensure performance management standards are met by collaborating with trainers and managers on proper execution of training programs
• Drive the new-hire onboarding check-in process to ensure department managers conduct 2-week and 45-day check-in; 90-day check-in is conducted by the GM/EKM
• Ensure ongoing communication with managers to create opportunities for development and to identify internal talent for hourly leadership roles
• Conduct Stay Interviews and gather feedback to improve the Team Member experience

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

• Ensure compliance with HR systems, certifications, and break policies
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to ensure discipline in adhering to systems regarding quarterly staffing plans, applicant tracking, and internal job postings for current Team Members
• Observe new Team Members on shift and provide feedback to support success
• Partner with department managers and HR to coordinate leaves of absence and return-to-work transitions
• Follow policies, systems, and standards and ensure others are doing the same
• Provide guidance on Paylocity functions and benefits utilization
• Adapt quickly to changing business needs while maintaining operational excellence
• Drive disciplined execution through planning, prioritization, and follow-through

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

• Attend Community and manager meetings to stay aligned with team needs
• Share engagement and retention insights with the GM and Area Director
• Promote a culture of fun and recognition through celebrations, events, and milestones; ensure Team Members feel supported and engaged
• Coordinate charity events and community involvement opportunities
• Lead the creation of monthly boards with tasting notes, Chef Recs, and Wine Club updates
• Deliver Uncompromising Hospitality by creating memorable Team Member and Guest experiences every shift
• Champion the Wine Club by inspiring enthusiasm and ensuring Members feel valued
• Lead change with confidence, helping the team adapt while maintaining focus and performance
• Model professionalism, Cooper’s Hawk values, and passion for culinary excellence while celebrating team successes

What You Will Bring

• Must represent Cooper's Hawk Values
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have experience as a New Restaurant Opening Trainer, Lead Restaurant Trainer, or in management at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants or have previous management experience with another restaurant concept
• Must have a passion for hospitality
• Has knowledge of operations in the tasting room, front of house, and kitchen to understand the Team Member experience in each part of the restaurant
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with a passion for delivering Uncompromising Hospitality and developing high-performing teams
• Has the ability to multi-task, work effectively and adapt to change in a fast-paced environment
• Maintains basic knowledge of first aid and handling emergencies
• Has the ability to perform essential functions to company standards with reasonable accommodation
• Must be able to read, write and understand English
• Ability 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 Ben

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.