Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager

Coopers Hawk is a renowned restaurant and winery brand located in Gurnee, Illinois, dedicated to delivering a unique dining and wine tasting experience. Since its inception in 2005, Coopers Hawk has blended a Napa-style tasting room with a full-service restaurant, bar, and private event space, creating a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere that appeals to diverse guests seeking both exceptional food and premium wines. The establishment is well known for its scratch kitchen approach, where every menu item is crafted to pair flawlessly with its award-winning wines. Moreover, the Coopers Hawk Wine Club is among the largest globally, offering exclusive membership benefits that include curated dining and travel experiences tailored to wine enthusiasts. By integrating a lifestyle brand that encompasses fine dining, retail wine offerings, and special events, Coopers Hawk has maintained a distinctive position within the restaurant and hospitality industry for nearly two decades.

The role of Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager at Coopers Hawk involves supporting the Executive Kitchen Manager in leading a high-volume scratch kitchen environment that emphasizes culinary creativity and operational excellence. This full-time position, based in Gurnee, Illinois, offers competitive compensation ranging from $70,000 to $80,000 annually, including a 10% bonus potential dependent on experience, skills, and internal equity. The Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, safety, and guest satisfaction. Key responsibilities include managing kitchen operations, coaching and mentoring kitchen staff, supporting new menu development and rollouts, and maintaining compliance with safety and sanitation standards. This position demands strong leadership skills to inspire and develop culinary team members, uphold rigorous standards, and foster a positive, respectful kitchen culture. Candidates can expect to work collaboratively across departments, particularly with front-of-house management, to streamline service and operational efficiency across all shifts.

Benefits associated with this role include generous dining and retail discounts, complimentary wine tastings, comprehensive medical coverage including dental and vision, 401k with company match, paid parental leave, and various wellness and mental health support programs. The role requires physical stamina, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended durations, as well as flexibility to work 50-60 hours per week with varied scheduling, including weekends and holidays. Certifications such as ServSafe and relevant local licensing are preferred but opportunities for professional development are emphasized to support career growth within the company. This position is ideal for culinary professionals seeking to advance their leadership capabilities in a thriving, innovative culinary environment committed to excellence in both food and wine, making a significant impact on the Coopers Hawk dining experience and brand legacy.