Executive Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants, Inc. is a distinguished restaurant and winery company that began its journey in 2005 in Orland Park, a suburb south of Chicago. After four years of careful planning and construction, Cooper's Hawk established a unique concept that blends a signature menu with a carefully crafted selection of wines produced in its private winery. This concept blends sophisticated food offerings with exceptional wines, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience for guests. Cooper's Hawk features four distinct components within each location: an upscale casual dining restaurant, a full-service bar, a private barrel-aging room, and a Napa-style tasting room along with a retail gift store. Each location of Cooper's Hawk is uniquely designed in its layout and décor but consistently exudes warmth and elegance that guests have come to expect and appreciate. The company’s innovative approach has created a lifestyle brand that combines food, wine, and hospitality in an engaging and elegant environment. Their Wine Club is one of the largest worldwide, offering exclusive benefits such as curated dining and travel experiences, emphasizing a modern yet casual dining atmosphere paired perfectly with their award-winning wines. With the addition of Piccolo Buco by Cooper’s Hawk, the company has expanded to bring the vibrant flavors of Rome into its offering, further diversifying its culinary appeal. This blend of Napa Valley and Italian influences reinforces Cooper’s Hawk as a leader in the restaurant and winery industry, dedicated to delivering excellence in both food quality and guest experience.

The Executive Kitchen Manager role at Cooper's Hawk is a pivotal leadership position responsible for running a fast-paced, high-volume scratch kitchen that emphasizes culinary excellence and innovation. The Executive Kitchen Manager will be deeply involved in driving the execution of the menu, which is uniquely crafted to pair with Cooper’s Hawk wines. This position demands a hands-on leader who can oversee all kitchen operations while ensuring food quality, safety, consistency, and exceptional service standards are met. The manager will work closely with a talented culinary kitchen team to embrace and implement new menu items and kitchen initiatives that align with the company’s high standards and brand values. Leadership and team development are crucial elements in this role, as the Executive Kitchen Manager is responsible for hiring decisions, training programs, scheduling, and retaining a motivated and efficient team to support the kitchen’s operation. Maintaining a collaborative environment between the kitchen and front-of-house staff is also essential to ensuring seamless service and a positive guest experience. Additionally, the Executive Kitchen Manager plays a significant role in executing private events, including wine club dinners that highlight Cooper’s Hawk’s unique combination of food and wine. This role requires someone with not only strong culinary knowledge but also financial acumen to maximize operational and financial results. Proficiency in computer systems related to POS, inventory, scheduling, and Microsoft Office Suite is expected, along with a commitment to maintaining safe and healthy work environments and adhering to food safety standards. This role offers a highly competitive pay structure with various team member incentives and rewards, comprehensive medical and wellness benefits, and opportunities for career development. The position requires flexibility in working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, reflecting the dynamic nature of the hospitality industry. Cooper’s Hawk prides itself on equal employment opportunities and providing a welcoming, respectful, and professional workplace for all employees. The Executive Kitchen Manager is therefore not only a managerial figure but a vital part of a community committed to delivering excellence in food, wine, and guest satisfaction.