Kitchen Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a celebrated casual dining restaurant chain known for its innovative approach to crafting pizza and contemporary cuisine. Founded in 1985 by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK revolutionized the pizza industry by combining California creativity with fresh ingredients to create unique menu items such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken pizzas. These hearth-baked pizzas are prepared in a lively open kitchen, inviting guests to experience the art of pizza-making firsthand. Over the years, CPK has established itself as a leader in the industry, standing alongside iconic cities like Chicago and New York as a pioneer in the pizza revolution. CPK embraces a vibrant company culture fueled by a commitment to respect, opportunity, communication, kindness, and service, collectively known as the ROCKS philosophy. This philosophy inspires a supportive environment that encourages team members to be bold and authentic while delivering outstanding guest experiences.

The role at CPK is centered around leadership and operational excellence in the back-of-house (BOH) management for a busy, high-volume restaurant. As a BOH manager, the individual will play a critical role in overseeing the daily kitchen operations, ensuring seamless coordination between food preparation, cooking, and plating. The role requires a passionate leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and is committed to delivering a phenomenal guest experience by maintaining high standards of hospitality and culinary execution. This managerial position includes responsibilities such as managing profit and loss (P&L) statements, forecasting and controlling labor costs, implementing portion controls, and preparing budgets to ensure the restaurant meets its financial objectives. The manager will be expected to lead and inspire their team with a people-first mentality, fostering a culture that prioritizes growth and development through cross-training and career advancement prospects.

CPK places great emphasis on investing in its employees, offering a comprehensive eight-week training program that utilizes diverse learning methods including online courses, books, and hands-on mentoring. The company offers a unique electronic learning platform called “The Proof” which encourages continuous professional development. Employees enjoy an industry-competitive compensation package, inclusive of bonus potential, and a comprehensive benefits program covering medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance. Additional perks include manager meals, a management dine-out card to enjoy with family and friends, and access to the employee-driven Kindness Fund designed to assist team members facing life challenges. The environment at CPK is dynamic and inclusive, providing individuals a platform to express their unique talents and skills. This role offers the opportunity to become part of a passionate team that values creativity and innovation, where you can contribute to shaping the guest experience and advancing your career in the hospitality industry. The salary range for this position is approximately USD 70,500 to 75,000 annually, reflecting CPK’s commitment to rewarding expertise and leadership excellence.