Kitchen Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a pioneering restaurant chain renowned for its innovative and creative approach to casual dining, specifically specializing in hearth-baked pizzas with distinctive California-inspired flavors. Founded in 1985 by Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, former federal prosecutors turned restaurateurs, CPK revolutionized the pizza industry by introducing bold and fresh ingredients crafted into signature dishes such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken pizzas. The concept quickly earned its place alongside other pizza powerhouses in major cities like Chicago and New York by combining culinary creativity with a vibrant open-kitchen dining experience that emphasizes quality, freshness, and an inviting atmosphere.

At California Pizza Kitchen, the workplace culture is deeply influenced by their ROCKS philosophy, which stands for Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service. This philosophy shapes their commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where employees are empowered to bring their full passions and talents to work. The company prides itself on its dynamic and passionate workforce, offering an environment where individual uniqueness is celebrated and team members are continuously encouraged to learn and grow within the organization.

The role of Kitchen Manager at CPK is a vital leadership position responsible for overseeing the daily kitchen operations and ensuring that food preparation, cooking, and plating are executed efficiently and to the highest quality standards. This position is tailored for a seasoned culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant setting and is passionate about hospitality, team development, and operational excellence. Beyond managing the kitchen workflow, the Kitchen Manager guides and motivates the culinary team with a strong people-first approach, helps foster a culture aligned with CPK's values, and works collaboratively to drive sales performance and profitability.

The Kitchen Manager is also accountable for managing the restaurant’s profit and loss (P&L) statements by forecasting and controlling labor costs, maintaining portion controls, preparing budgets, and analyzing variances to ensure financial objectives are met. Maintaining health and safety standards, including sanitation and compliance, is another critical responsibility to guarantee a safe working environment for all staff.

CPK offers a comprehensive eight-week training program that combines multiple learning methods such as online courses, written material, and hands-on learning alongside experienced mentors. This ensures that new managers are fully prepared to excel in their roles. The company culture is uniquely passionate and supportive, with ample opportunities for career growth and development. They actively promote from within, using an innovative electronic learning platform called "The Proof" to encourage ongoing professional development.

Furthermore, employees enjoy generous perks such as all-you-can-eat pizza during shifts, a Management Dine-Out card for meals shared with family and friends, and access to an employee-driven assistance program called the Kindness Fund to support team members in times of personal need. The compensation package is competitive, including bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits plan featuring medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance. With a salary range of $70,000 to $75,000, this role offers both a rewarding career and the chance to belong to a groundbreaking company that respects and values its people.