Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk is a distinguished lifestyle brand featuring a Napa-style tasting room, wine-inspired retail for entertaining, and a full-service restaurant, bar, and private event space. The company provides a modern yet casual dining experience where each scratch-kitchen menu item is thoughtfully designed to complement its renowned wines. Since its inception in 2005, Cooper's Hawk has successfully transported the Napa Valley experience to its guests and Wine Club members. The Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is arguably one of the largest wine clubs in the world, offering members exclusive benefits including award-winning wines, curated dining, and travel experiences. Expanding its culinary footprint, Cooper's Hawk has introduced Piccolo Buco, which brings the vibrant flavors of Rome to a growing audience. As a dynamic and evolving culinary brand, Cooper's Hawk emphasizes quality, creativity, and an exceptional customer experience in all aspects of its operations.

The Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager role at Cooper's Hawk is an essential leadership position within a high-volume, scratch kitchen environment where culinary creativity meets operational excellence. This role works closely alongside the Executive Kitchen Manager to maintain outstanding food quality, consistency, and safety standards. The Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager is responsible for coaching and inspiring the kitchen team, ensuring a positive and professional kitchen culture, and supporting the growth and development of culinary staff. This leadership role requires a hands-on approach to kitchen operations, including managing schedules, overseeing supply ordering and inventory, conducting line checks, and ensuring adherence to food safety protocols. Additionally, the role involves using various operating systems such as POS, scheduling software, ordering and inventory platforms, and Microsoft Office to maintain organized and efficient kitchen operations.

This role presents an opportunity to lead training programs, support new menu rollouts and system initiatives, and actively participate in hiring and development processes for kitchen team members. A vital aspect of success in this position is fostering strong communication and collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house teams to guarantee seamless service flow and operational efficiency. The Assistant Executive Kitchen Manager is also tasked with executing private events, including themed Wine Club dinners, further enriching the guest experience.

Ideal candidates will have 2-3 years of management experience in a full-service restaurant environment, preferably in a scratch kitchen setting. Strong financial acumen, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Candidates must meet certain physical demands, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods. Flexibility to work 50-60 hours per week, including weekends and some holidays, is also required. Cooper's Hawk offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs, a 401(k) with company match, paid parental leave, paid time off, and various employee discounts, all designed to support the wellbeing and career development of its team members.

Joining Cooper's Hawk means becoming part of a passionate team that values leadership, innovation, and exceptional culinary standards, all while delivering memorable moments and experiences for guests in a vibrant and professional environment. This position is perfect for those who are eager to take ownership, show up ready, stay in sync with the team, and make a personal impact every day.