Kitchen Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned casual dining restaurant chain that has been delighting guests with innovative California-style cuisine since its founding in 1985. Established by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK set out to revolutionize the pizza industry by introducing creative, hearth-baked pizzas such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken. Their commitment to fresh ingredients and culinary creativity quickly positioned CPK as a trendsetter in the industry, alongside traditional pizza powerhouses like Chicago and New York. Today, CPK embodies a vibrant culture of passion and innovation, attracting individuals who dare to think outside the box and bring their unique talents to work every day.

CPK's workplace culture is deeply rooted in its ROCKS philosophy, which emphasizes Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service. This guiding principle fosters an inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to be bold, authentic, and driven. With a strong focus on community and team spirit, CPK also offers comprehensive learning and development programs designed to nurture growth from within. The company provides various training methods, including an eight-week intensive program utilizing online resources, books, and hands-on teaching. They also feature an innovative e-learning platform called "The Proof," dedicated to continuous professional development. Employees enjoy perks like unlimited pizza during shifts, management meals, and dine-out cards to share the CPK experience with friends and family.

The role available at California Pizza Kitchen is tailored for experienced Back of House (BOH) management professionals who thrive in fast-paced, high-volume environments. As a BOH Manager, you will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the kitchen, maintaining optimal workflow between food preparation, cooking, and plating, especially during peak service hours. Your leadership will help build and inspire a cohesive kitchen team that exemplifies hospitality, culinary excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.

This position is more than just operational management; it involves cultivating a people-first culture that enhances team performance and supports career growth. You will be instrumental in hiring, training, developing, and motivating staff, encouraging a positive atmosphere that drives the business forward. Financial acumen is also key, as you will oversee the restaurant's profit and loss statements, monitor labor costs, control portions, prepare budgets, and analyze financial variances to meet business objectives.

Communication skills are vital for this role, requiring effective verbal and written interaction with employees, guests, suppliers, and corporate management. Proficiency in Spanish is considered a plus within this diverse, multicultural environment. Maintaining health and safety standards, including sanitation compliance, is essential to uphold the restaurant's reputation.

The position offers an industry competitive salary range of USD $70,500 to $75,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance. CPK also promotes a work environment where team members are supported not just professionally but personally, with programs like the Kindness Fund providing assistance to employees facing life challenges. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about culinary arts and leadership who want to join a company that values innovation, growth, and community engagement.