Restaurant Manager

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is a renowned restaurant chain that has revolutionized the pizza industry with its innovative and hearth-baked pizzas since its founding in 1985. Established by former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax, CPK combined culinary creativity with high-quality fresh ingredients to create signature dishes such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club, and Thai Chicken pizzas. From a concept that gave California national recognition in the pizza revolution, standing alongside Chicago and New York, CPK has grown into a vibrant community of passionate individuals known for thinking outside the box and embracing bold ideas. The company places a strong emphasis on its core ROCKS philosophy – Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service – which governs how team members interact with guests, colleagues, and their communities. This philosophy fosters a people-first culture, which helps drive both guest satisfaction and employee development.

Working at California Pizza Kitchen means joining a team that encourages you to be bold, be yourself, and be part of an exciting and supportive environment. CPK’s one-of-a-kind culture is known for its tremendous passion and collaborative spirit, making it a workplace where team members can express their unique talents and skills. The company provides a comprehensive eight-week training program using a blend of online learning, book studies, and hands-on training to ensure employees are well-prepared for success. Additionally, the organization offers a cutting-edge electronic learning platform called "The Proof" that supports continuous professional development. Managers and employees alike enjoy many perks, including access to unlimited pizza during shifts, management meals, and a Management Dine-Out card to share meals with family and friends. This careful blend of employee benefits and vibrant culture helps CPK maintain a dedicated and motivated workforce.

The managerial role at California Pizza Kitchen is much more than overseeing day-to-day operations; it is a vital leadership position that requires a passion for hospitality and service. The primary focus is on creating phenomenal guest experiences by leading and inspiring a team with a people-first mentality. Managers are responsible for building and nurturing a team that delivers outstanding hospitality and culinary execution while fostering employee growth through career development and cross-training. The role demands a strong business acumen, including managing sales, profitability, guest counts, and effectively handling the restaurant’s profit and loss (P&L) statements. Managers forecast financial objectives, adjust labor expenditures, implement portion controls, prepare budgets, and analyze variances to meet financial goals.

Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential for interacting effectively with employees, guests, suppliers, and senior management. The role also includes maintaining a safe and healthy environment by adhering to sanitation standards and procedures. The position requires physical capacity for prolonged periods of sitting, standing, or walking, with occasional bending, lifting (up to 40 lbs), and other physical tasks. California Pizza Kitchen values its team and supports them through programs such as the employee-driven Kindness Fund, which assists employees facing life challenges. The comprehensive compensation package includes a competitive salary, bonus potential, and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, along with a 401K plan. CPK is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone has a seat at their table.