Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk is a distinguished hospitality company that masterfully blends the wine experience with culinary excellence, offering guests a Napa-style tasting room complete with wine-inspired retail, a full-service restaurant, a bar, and private event spaces. Established in 2005, the company has created a unique lifestyle brand by bringing the essence and sophistication of Napa Valley to their guests and Wine Club members. Cooper's Hawk Wine Club, recognized as one of the largest in the world, adds significant value by offering award-winning wines, exclusive membership benefits, and curated dining and travel experiences. Expanding its portfolio, Cooper's Hawk recently introduced Piccolo Buco, which brings the vibrant, authentic flavors of Rome to complement its dynamic dining experiences. This combination of wine, food, and culture creates a modern-yet-casual dining atmosphere that resonates with guests seeking both quality and comfort.

The position of Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager at Cooper's Hawk plays a crucial role in the operational success of this innovative culinary environment. This is a high-responsibility role suited for an individual passionate about culinary creativity and operational excellence in a high-volume, scratch kitchen setting. Working closely with the Executive Kitchen Manager, the Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager helps lead a team dedicated to delivering exceptional food quality, consistency, and safety. Beyond merely managing kitchen operations, the role emphasizes leadership, training, and team development to foster an inspiring work environment and elevate guest experiences.

The Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager takes ownership of kitchen operations, including supervising Kitchen Managers and team members working across various stations, such as dish, prep, and line stations. They are tasked with coordinating schedules, reviewing operating systems, and leveraging various tools like POS systems, scheduling software, ordering and inventory management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite for organization and efficiency. Line checks, prep lists, and supply ordering are critical responsibilities to maintain smooth workflow and uphold strict food safety standards in compliance with regulations.

Leadership is central to this role, involving regular training sessions, facilitating new menu roll-outs, and implementing system initiatives. This position is also integral to team hiring and development, conducting side-by-side mentoring, performance evaluations, and coaching to enhance the culinary team’s skills and professional growth. Collaboration with front-of-house leadership is essential to ensure seamless service and communication, fostering a positive kitchen culture aligned with Cooper's Hawk values.

In addition to operational leadership, the Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager supports the financial health of the kitchen by assisting with inventory and maximizing financial results. They are actively involved in executing private events, including exclusive Wine Club dinners, adding a personalized touch that amplifies guest satisfaction. This role requires strong communication skills, financial acumen, and the ability to work flexible shifts often spanning weekends and holidays.

Cooper's Hawk offers an attractive compensation package and extensive benefits, highlighting their commitment to team member well-being and professional development. Benefits include substantial dining and retail discounts, paid parental leave, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, wellness and mental health support, and career development opportunities, among others. The company embraces diversity and equal employment opportunity, ensuring a respectful, supportive, and equitable workplace for all team members interested in pursuing a rewarding career in culinary management within a renowned hospitality setting.