Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager

Cary, NC, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Dining and carryout discount

Retail wine discount

Discount on retail and private events

monthly complimentary wine tasting for two

Medical insurance

prescription insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

telehealth services

Wellness discount

401(k) with Company Match

Health savings account

flexible savings account

long-term disability insurance

Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance

Basic Life and AD&D insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

Access to Team Member Relief Program

Wellness and mental health support

Employee insurance coverage

Team member rewards

Milestone recognition

Referral bonuses

Career development opportunities

Job Description

Cooper's Hawk is a distinctive lifestyle brand that combines a Napa-style tasting room with wine-inspired retail, a full-service restaurant, a bar, and private event spaces. Established in 2005, Cooper's Hawk has been dedicated to bringing the essence of Napa Valley to its guests and Wine Club members. The company is renowned for its award-winning wines and holds one of the largest wine clubs in the world, offering exclusive membership benefits such as curated dining and travel experiences. In addition to its signature offerings, Cooper's Hawk has expanded its culinary reach with Piccolo Buco by Cooper's Hawk, presenting the vibrant flavors of Rome in a unique, modern yet casual dining environment. Central to Cooper's Hawk's identity is its commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience through a scratch kitchen where every menu item is thoughtfully designed to pair perfectly with its wines.

As an Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager at Cooper's Hawk, you will play a critical leadership role within a high-volume scratch kitchen, working closely with the Executive Kitchen Manager to ensure that culinary creativity meets operational excellence. This role demands a blend of managerial prowess and culinary expertise to maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and safety standards. You will lead and inspire a team of kitchen managers and team members across dish, prep, and line stations, helping foster a positive and professional kitchen culture that aligns with Cooper's Hawk values.

Your responsibilities will include overseeing kitchen operations, managing schedules and operating systems, conducting line checks, inventory control, and supply ordering. Emphasizing leadership and training, you will facilitate kitchen training sessions, guide food execution, assist with new menu rollouts, and implement system initiatives that support kitchen efficiency and product excellence. You will also be an integral part of the hiring process for hourly kitchen team members, mentoring staff through side-by-side coaching to encourage development and maintain high culinary standards.

Communication and collaboration with front-of-house teams are essential for smooth operations, and you will participate in community meetings, coach managers, and work alongside the Executive Kitchen Manager and General Manager to drive results and success within the establishment. Your role extends to executing private events such as monthly themed Wine Club dinners, ensuring that every guest experience is personalized, respectful, and unforgettable.

This position requires stamina and flexibility due to the physical demands of the kitchen, standing for long hours, lifting, and working varying shifts including weekends and some holidays. Demonstrating financial acumen, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with POS, scheduling, and inventory systems will be crucial for success in this role. Preferred certifications include ServSafe and compliance with state or local licensing requirements.

Cooper's Hawk offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health and well-being of its employees, fostering a supportive work environment and opportunities for career growth. The company is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and workplace culture. This role not only offers a chance to grow professionally but also to be a part of a dynamic team that celebrates excellence in culinary arts and hospitality, providing guests with a distinctive and memorable experience.

Job Requirements

2-3 years of management experience in a full-service restaurant environment
Scratch kitchen experience preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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

Job Qualifications

2-3 years of management experience in a full-service restaurant environment
Scratch kitchen experience preferred
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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

Job Duties

Direct kitchen operations including kitchen managers and team members across dish prep and line stations
Review schedules and manage assigned operating systems
Use 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
Lead kitchen training food execution new menu roll-outs and system initiatives
Participate in hourly kitchen Team Member hiring conduct side-by-sides with Team Members to support development and performance