Kitchen Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a vibrant and innovative casual dining restaurant chain that has been delighting guests since its inception in 1985. Founded by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK has consistently pushed culinary boundaries by offering distinctive, hearth-baked pizzas such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken. These inventive menu items, created in an open kitchen environment, have helped CPK carve out a unique niche in the competitive pizza landscape alongside Chicago and New York-style offerings. At the core of CPK's success is a commitment to California creativity, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming and engaging guest experience.

CPK is more than just a restaurant; it is a community driven by the ROCKS philosophy—Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service. This philosophy guides the company’s culture and shapes how team members bring their passion and talents to work every day. Employees at CPK have the chance to be bold, epic, and truly themselves, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives and skills are valued and celebrated. The company is passionately dedicated to moving people forward through continuous learning, growth opportunities, and a supportive team culture that promotes from within. CPK’s proprietary electronic learning platform, “The Proof,” exemplifies its commitment to ongoing employee development by engaging team members in comprehensive and interactive training.

The Kitchen Manager role at California Pizza Kitchen is a dynamic leadership position responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. This role ensures smooth coordination between food preparation, cooking, and plating to deliver a top-tier guest experience. A successful Kitchen Manager excels at maintaining optimal workflow during peak periods, adapting quickly to changing conditions, and motivating a team with a people-first approach. This leader builds a team centered on hospitality and culinary excellence while developing top talent to support business growth and cross-training. Financial stewardship is also a critical aspect of the role, where the Kitchen Manager manages the restaurant’s profit and loss (P&L), forecasts financial objectives, adjusts labor expenditures, applies portion controls, and prepares budgets.

In addition to operational and financial responsibilities, the Kitchen Manager fosters a safe, healthy, and compliant kitchen environment by adhering to sanitation standards and procedures. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are vital for effective interaction with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management. The ability to speak Spanish is considered an advantage in this multicultural workplace. Compensation for this position ranges from $68,000 to $73,000 annually, along with a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, plus employee assistance programs and bonuses.

CPK offers a comprehensive eight-week training program that leverages various learning methods, including online modules, book-based study, and hands-on coaching. Employees enjoy unique perks such as unlimited pizza, management meals while working, and a Management Dine-Out card for personal use. The company supports team members through its employee-driven Kindness Fund, providing assistance during life challenges. With a culture focused on passion, innovation, and inclusivity, California Pizza Kitchen provides an inspiring career path for individuals eager to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant environment and make a genuine impact by bringing California creativity to every meal.