Executive Kitchen Manager

Hammond, IN, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $84,000.00 - $100,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

dining discount

Retail wine discount

Discount on retail and private events

monthly complimentary wine tasting for two

Medical insurance

prescription insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

telehealth

Wellness discount

401(k) with Company Match

Health savings account

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

long-term disability insurance

Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance

basic life insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

Team member relief program

Wellness Support

mental health support

Employee Discounts

Team member rewards

Milestone recognition

Referral bonuses

Career development opportunities

Job Description

Cooper's Hawk is a distinguished hospitality brand that masterfully blends the art of winemaking with an exceptional dining experience. Established in 2005, Cooper's Hawk has grown into a renowned name featuring a Napa-style tasting room, wine-inspired retail offerings, and a modern-yet-casual full-service restaurant. The brand is not just about offering meals and wines; it provides a lifestyle. With a vast wine club – one of the largest in the world – Cooper's Hawk enriches its members with award-winning wines, exclusive dining experiences, and curated travel opportunities. The company's commitment to quality and community has led to its expansion, which now includes Piccolo Buco by Cooper's Hawk, a venture that brings the vibrant flavors of Rome to its patrons, continuing to innovate and excite guests with authentic culinary traditions and memorable moments. Cooper's Hawk stands as a beacon of exceptional hospitality, emphasizing a culture of excellence, genuine connections, and unparalleled experiences for both guests and team members.

The Executive Kitchen Manager position at Cooper's Hawk in Merrillville, IN, offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-volume, fast-paced scratch kitchen where culinary creativity and precision are paramount. This role is essential in driving the kitchen team's execution of a carefully crafted menu that complements the brand's celebrated wines. In this leadership position, you will be the culinary coach and mentor, guiding your team to achieve excellence in food quality, consistency, safety, and service. You'll champion a kitchen culture rooted in uncompromising hospitality and foster an environment where memorable dining experiences are the norm. Compensation for this role falls within the range of $84,000 to $100,000 per year, plus a 15 percent bonus potential, with a $10,000 sign-on bonus and relocation assistance available. Your final salary offer will depend on your experience, skills, qualifications, and internal pay equity considerations. This role demands a leader prepared to oversee the complete kitchen operation, collaborate on new menu innovations, manage inventory and scheduling through advanced tools, and uphold the highest standards in food safety. Beyond overseeing daily operations, the Executive Kitchen Manager will play a pivotal role in hiring and training, financial planning, and fostering strong communication between kitchen staff and front-of-house teams. By embodying Cooper's Hawk values, you will help create a positive, respectful, and professional kitchen atmosphere, encouraging team development and celebrating achievements. This position requires a passion for culinary excellence, leadership that inspires pride in work, and a commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences that resonate with guests and team members alike.

Job Requirements

2-3 years of kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant
scratch kitchen experience preferred
excellent verbal and written communication skills
a minimum age requirement of 21 years
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
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 kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant
scratch kitchen experience preferred
excellent verbal and written communication skills
demonstrates financial acumen
proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
preferred certifications include ServSafe and state/local licensing requirements
ability to read, understand and communicate in English

Job Duties

Oversee overall kitchen operations and lead the culinary team
partner with the Culinary team to embrace and execute new menu items
use tools like POS systems, scheduling software, inventory/ordering systems, and Microsoft Office to stay organized
maintain a safe and healthy work environment and uphold food safety standards
lead menu rollouts, kitchen initiatives, and private events, including monthly Wine Club dinners
oversee final interviews and approve kitchen Team Member hiring decisions
introduce and supervise the implementation of kitchen training materials