Executive Kitchen Manager

About the role

As an Executive Kitchen Manager at Cooper’s Hawk, you’ll lead a fast-paced, high-volume scratch kitchen, driving the culinary execution of our uniquely inspired menu, thoughtfully paired with our wines. You’ll be the culinary leader and coach, partnering with your team to ensure excellence in food quality, consistency, safety, and service. With a focus on uncompromising hospitality, you’ll help shape a kitchen culture that delivers memorable guest and Team Member experiences.

Responsibilities

• Centered on growth, mentorship and creating career pathways for all.
• Uphold performance management standards by directing kitchen operations, including Kitchen Managers and Team Members across all stations.
• Lead new menu rollouts, kitchen initiatives, and private events, including monthly Wine Club dinners.
• Oversee final interviews and approve kitchen Team Member hiring decisions.
• Mentor and develop managers through coaching, feedback, and clear performance expectations.
• Foster a growth mindset by creating opportunities for learning, development, and career progression.
• Communicate with clarity, actively listen, and build strong relationships across the team.
• Lead with self-awareness by modeling accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Lead all Kitchen Management and Hourly Team Members as a role model of Cooper's Hawk Values and behaviors.
• Review and approve schedules aligned with labor forecasting to drive operational excellence.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of food quality, recipes, and kitchen systems.
• Maximize financial and operational results through effective business acumen, planning and execution.
• Demonstrate discipline using tools like POS systems, scheduling software, inventory/ordering systems, and Microsoft Office to stay organized.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment and uphold food safety standards.
• Work closely with management teams to conduct weekly food inventory.
• Ensure adherence and accountability to policies; manage and train others on discipline for standard operating systems/procedures.
• Adapt quickly to changing business needs while maintaining operational excellence.
• Foster collaboration across restaurant teams and lead with open, respectful communication.
• Lead Community meetings and facilitate open communication across the team.
• Partner with the General Manager and other leaders to achieve restaurant goals and operational success.
• Represent Cooper’s Hawk values and by creating a respectful, positive, and professional kitchen culture.
• Ensure every dish reflects our commitment to quality and uncompromising hospitality.
• Lead change with confidence, helping the team adapt while maintaining focus and performance.
• Model professionalism and passion for culinary excellence while celebrating team successes.

Requirements

• 2-3 years of kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant; scratch kitchen experience preferred.
• A passion for culinary excellence.
• Adaptability and the ability to lead teams through change.
• Minimum age requirement of 21 years.
• Ability to read, understand and communicate in English.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with a passion for delivering Uncompromising Hospitality and developing high-performing teams.
• Results‑dr