Kitchen Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a well-established and innovative casual dining restaurant chain that proudly brings California creativity and fresh culinary concepts to the table. Founded in 1985 by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK revolutionized the pizza industry by introducing unique hearth-baked pizzas such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken. These signature dishes are prepared in lively open kitchens that foster an atmosphere of transparency and excitement. The brand has grown to become a beloved destination for taste makers, rule breakers, and earth shakers who embrace creativity and innovation in their food and service. CPK creates a vibrant and passionate workplace culture guided by its ROCKS philosophy—Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service—all of which foster an inclusive environment where each team member is encouraged to be bold, be epic, and be themselves.

At California Pizza Kitchen, a key leadership role is available for a Back of House (BOH) Manager who will oversee the kitchen operations at the restaurant. This position commands a competitive salary range from $70,000 to $75,000 per year and offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 401K, medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance. The BOH Manager will take responsibility for ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow in the kitchen, coordinating food preparation, cooking, and plating with high standards for quality and presentation. This role demands a passionate leader with exceptional communication and people skills, capable of motivating and inspiring the team to deliver phenomenal guest experiences while maintaining operational excellence.

The BOH Manager will play a crucial role in nurturing career growth within the team by fostering a people-first mentality and promoting cross-training among staff. This leadership position also involves managing sales, profitability, and guest counts through effective planning and financial oversight, including budgeting, labor cost control, and portion management. Strong verbal and written communication skills are vital to liaising effectively with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management. Spanish language proficiency is considered a plus. Safety and sanitation are high priorities, requiring the manager to enforce compliance with health standards to maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

CPK’s culture is further supported by an extensive and engaging eight-week training program that utilizes multiple learning methods, including online courses, books, and hands-on teaching. The company supports continuous development through its unique electronic learning platform, “The Proof.” Employees enjoy perks such as limitless pizza during shifts, meal benefits for managers, and a Management Dine-Out card for family and friends. Community and team support are evident through employee-driven initiatives like the Kindness Fund, reflecting the company’s commitment to kindness both inside and outside the workplace.

Overall, the BOH Manager position at California Pizza Kitchen is a dynamic leadership role for a driven individual dedicated to culinary excellence, team development, and operational success. The role offers an inspiring, energetic work environment where creativity is celebrated, and every member can contribute uniquely to the vibrant culture that defines CPK.