Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager

Avondale, AZ, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

dining discount

Retail wine discount

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

401k

Job Description

Cooper's Hawk is a renowned lifestyle brand that seamlessly blends a Napa-style tasting room featuring wine-inspired retail with a full-service restaurant, bar, and private event space. Since its inception in 2005, Cooper's Hawk has delivered a modern-yet-casual dining experience where each scratch-kitchen menu item is meticulously crafted to complement their superb wines. The company stands out for its expansive Wine Club, one of the largest in the world, which offers members exclusive access to award-winning wines, curated dining, and travel experiences. Cooper's Hawk has also expanded its culinary offerings with Piccolo Buco, bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to its valued guests. With a steadfast commitment to quality, creativity, and guest satisfaction, Cooper’s Hawk epitomizes excellence in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

The role of Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager at Cooper’s Hawk is designed for a dynamic culinary leader ready to help guide a high-volume, scratch kitchen environment where creativity and operational excellence are paramount. In this capacity, you will work closely with the Executive Kitchen Manager to uphold impeccable food quality, consistency, and safety standards while inspiring and coaching the kitchen team. Your leadership will support the growth and development of culinary professionals, ensuring a positive, respectful, and professional kitchen culture. Day-to-day, you will oversee kitchen operations including managing Kitchen Managers and team members across dish, prep, and line stations, conducting inventory and scheduling duties, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. You will also play a direct role in hiring, training, and mentoring team members, while maintaining smooth communication between kitchen and front-of-house staff. The role demands accountability, teamwork, and a hands-on approach, with responsibilities ranging from executing high-profile private events to participating in financial management and system initiatives. This position offers a comprehensive range of benefits including competitive discounts, medical and wellness programs, paid time off, and career development opportunities. Joining Cooper's Hawk means becoming part of a passionate team that takes pride in its culinary standards and is dedicated to delivering an exceptional guest experience every day.

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
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
be accountable for food preparation knowledge and quality standards
assist with weekly inventory procedures and maximize financial results
ensure strong communication and collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house operations to ensure smooth operations
lead community meetings and coach managers to align on goals and execution
partner with the executive kitchen manager and general manager to drive results
execute private events including monthly themed wine club dinner
represent Cooper’s Hawk values and create a respectful positive and professional kitchen culture
develop and retain kitchen managers and team members through coaching and mentorship
lead by example and inspire pride in culinary standards excellence and execution
celebrate team wins and milestones