Leading a high-volume, scratch kitchen where culinary creativity meets operational excellence is the core of this role. You will partner closely with the Executive Kitchen Manager to ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and safety while coaching and inspiring your team. With a focus on leadership, training, and execution, you will help deliver an outstanding guest experience and support the growth of the culinary team.
Responsibilities
Uphold performance management standards by directing kitchen operations, including Kitchen Managers and Team Members across dish, prep, and line stations
Lead kitchen training, food execution, new menu roll-outs and system initiatives
Participate in hourly kitchen Team Member hiring
Foster a growth mindset by conducting side-by-sides with Team Members to support development and performance
Mentor and develop Kitchen Managers and Team Members through coaching, feedback, and clear performance expectations
Communicate with clarity, actively listen, and build strong relationships across the team
Be accountable for food preparation knowledge and quality standards
Assist with weekly inventory procedures and maximize financial results
Review schedules and manage assigned operating systems
Demonstrate a disciplined use of tools like POS systems, scheduling software, ordering/inventory systems, and Microsoft Office to stay organized
Conduct line checks, create prep lists, and oversee supply ordering and inventory
Maintain a safe and healthy work environment and uphold food safety standards
Take ownership of operational results by ensuring policies, systems, and standards are consistently followed
Adapt quickly to changing business needs while maintaining operational excellence
Drive disciplined execution through planning, prioritization, and follow-through
Foster collaboration across restaurant teams in both Kitchen and Front of House Operations and lead with open, respectful communication
Lead Community meetings and coach Managers to align on goals that drive operational success
Execute private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinner
Represent Cooper’s Hawk values and create a respectful, positive, and professional kitchen culture
Deliver Uncompromising Hospitality by creating memorable Team Member and Guest experiences at every shift
Lead change with confidence, helping the team adapt while maintaining focus and performance
Model professionalism and passion for culinary excellence while celebrating team successes
Requirements
2-3 years of management experience in a full-service restaurant environment
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
A minimum age requirement of 21 years
Ability to read, understand and communicate in English
Proven ability to coach and develop leaders through feedback and performance management
Adaptability and the ability to lead teams through change
Excellent communication and relationship building skills with a passion for delivering Uncompromising Hospitality and developing high-performing teams
Demonstrates financial acumen
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
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
Nice to have:
Scratch kitchen experience preferred
ServSafe and state/local licensing requirements
Benefits
10% bonus potential
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
About the Company
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 its wines. The Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is perhaps the largest in the world, offering top-notch award-winning wines and exclusive Wine Club membership benefits, including curated dining and travel experiences. Since 2005, the company has brought the Napa Valley experience to its guests and Wine Club members, and now, with Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk, it is bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to them as well. Together, they are creating a lifestyle brand.
Cooper's Hawk operates 35 retail units in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic & Florida that combine a winery, Napa-style tasting room, casual dining & market..
