Kitchen Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned restaurant chain famous for its innovative and creatively crafted pizzas that bring California-inspired flavor to the table. Established in 1985 by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK has been at the forefront of the pizza revolution alongside other iconic cities like Chicago and New York. The founders’ passion for fresh ingredients and original recipes such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken pizzas has helped the brand build a reputation for offering a lively dining experience in an open kitchen setting. CPK embodies a culture that encourages creativity, boldness, and authenticity, fostering an environment where employees can bring their unique talents to work. The company is dedicated to creating a positive workplace through its ROCKS philosophy which stands for Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service, guiding the way they interact with employees, guests, and communities.

The role offered at California Pizza Kitchen is a management position focused on leading the back-of-house (BOH) operations in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. This position demands someone passionate about hospitality and service who can inspire and develop their team while overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations including food preparation, cooking, and plating to ensure a smooth workflow. The manager will take charge of building a team centered on hospitality and culinary excellence, fostering career growth through cross-training and continuous development. In addition to managing the kitchen team, the role includes financial responsibilities such as managing the restaurant’s profit and loss (P&L), budgeting, forecasting labor costs, practicing portion control, and analyzing variances to meet financial objectives. Excellent communication skills are essential for effectively interacting with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management, with proficiency in Spanish considered a plus.

CPK provides a comprehensive eight-week training program that includes various methods such as online, book learning, and shoulder-to-shoulder teaching to ensure all managers are well-equipped to excel. The company promotes from within and offers unique electronic learning tools titled "The Proof" for continuous employee development. Managers enjoy the perk of all the pizza they can eat during their shifts, plus a Management Dine-Out card for family and friends. CPK’s culture is deeply rooted in passion and inclusivity, supported by the Kindness Fund that helps employees facing personal challenges. The compensation package is competitive, featuring salary ranges from $70,500 to $75,000 with bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance. The company is committed to equal employment opportunities and values diversity at all levels. This role requires the ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods, with occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds, and attention to physical demands such as close and peripheral vision capabilities. California Pizza Kitchen provides an exciting opportunity for managers who want to lead with passion, contribute to a vibrant company culture, and grow their careers in the restaurant industry.