Kitchen Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned restaurant and food services company that was founded in 1985 in Beverly Hills, California. Established by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK was born from a passion for food and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The company pioneered innovative, hearth-baked pizzas, such as The Original BBQ Chicken, Thai Chicken, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken, all prepared in a lively open kitchen setting. Since its inception, CPK has been a staple in the American dining scene, giving California its rightful place in the pizza pantheon alongside iconic cities like Chicago and New York.

CPK quickly expanded beyond its original California roots to operate more than 250 locations across over 30 states and 11 countries worldwide. Beyond its sit-down restaurants, California Pizza Kitchen products can also be found in grocery store freezer aisles, at major airports, sports stadiums, and college campuses, showcasing the brand's versatility and reach. The company continues to thrive under the leadership of President, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Chairman G.J. Hart, who took the helm in 2011 following the acquisition by Golden Gate Capital.

CPK's corporate culture is deeply rooted in the ROCKS philosophy—Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service—which guides every aspect of the employee experience and customer interactions. With a workforce of more than 10,000 employees, the company is dedicated to fostering an inspiring and inclusive work environment where team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work and push boundaries. This ethos makes CPK an exciting and progressive place to build a career in the fast-paced restaurant industry.

The open position at California Pizza Kitchen is for a Back of House (BOH) Manager who will play a pivotal role in managing kitchen operations to ensure an exceptional guest experience. This role requires overseeing the day-to-day functioning of the kitchen, ensuring seamless coordination between food preparation, cooking, and plating during peak and non-peak hours. The manager will lead a team with a people-first mentality, inspiring staff and fostering a culture of hospitality and culinary excellence consistent with CPK’s standards.

The BOH Manager will also be responsible for building a robust team by recruiting, training, and developing top talent to drive business growth and cultivate career opportunities for employees. The managerial scope includes managing the restaurant’s profit and loss statements, budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring labor expenditures while practicing portion control to meet financial goals. Effective verbal and written communication skills are essential for engaging with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management alike.

This position demands a high level of physical stamina and resilience, as the BOH Manager will be exposed to typical restaurant kitchen conditions such as moderate noise and temperature variations, and must be capable of standing, walking for extended periods, and lifting up to 40 pounds. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus, enhancing communication within a diverse team environment.

California Pizza Kitchen offers a competitive salary ranging from USD 70,500 to 75,000 annually, along with a comprehensive benefits package inclusive of medical, dental, and vision insurance, and access to a robust 401K plan. Employees benefit from a thorough eight-week training program utilizing multiple learning methods including online modules and hands-on teaching. The company also supports employee well-being through an assistance program called the Kindness Fund and emphasizes continuous learning through its unique electronic learning platform, The Proof.

CPK's dynamic work environment celebrates unique talents and promotes internal growth with opportunities to advance careers through clear pathways and cross-training. Managers enjoy perks such as complimentary pizza during working hours, management meal benefits, and dine-out cards to share with family and friends. The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table and the opportunity to thrive.