1

Assistant Kitchen Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Manager

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

Partner with the Executive Kitchen Manager and General Manager to achieve restaurant goals * Assist ... in executing private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinners Make It Personal: Be ...

Kitchen Manager

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

Partner with the Executive Kitchen Manager and General Manager to achieve restaurant goals * Assist ... in executing private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinners Make It Personal: Be ...

Kitchen Manager

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

Partner with the Executive Kitchen Manager and General Manager to achieve restaurant goals * Assist ... in executing private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinners Make It Personal: Be ...

Kitchen Manager

Hillside, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Review kitchen performance, food costs, purchasing, inventory, and labor * Assist with payroll ... Experience managing inventory, food costs, ordering, and labor * Ability to coach, motivate, and ...

Kitchen Manager

Hillside, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Review kitchen performance, food costs, purchasing, inventory, and labor * Assist with payroll ... Experience managing inventory, food costs, ordering, and labor * Ability to coach, motivate, and ...

Kitchen Manager

Hillside, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Review kitchen performance, food costs, purchasing, inventory, and labor * Assist with payroll ... Experience managing inventory, food costs, ordering, and labor * Ability to coach, motivate, and ...

Kitchen Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

The Kitchen Manager will report to our chef team and help operate the kitchen and oversee BOH Staff ... Overseeing the inventory and ordering of food and supplies * Assist in all aspects of back of the ...

Review kitchen performance, food costs, purchasing, inventory, and labor * Assist with payroll ... Experience managing inventory, food costs, ordering, and labor * Ability to coach, motivate, and ...

As a Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervising and overseeing the ... Assisting with the development of all key employees, assistant managers, and hourly employees by ...

As a Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervising and overseeing the ... Assisting with the development of all key employees, assistant managers, and hourly employees by ...

As a Kitchen Manager your responsibilities would include: * Supervising and overseeing the ... Assisting with the development of all key employees, assistant managers, and hourly employees by ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Kitchen Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$23

$33

How much do assistant kitchen manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant kitchen manager in Chicago, IL is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant kitchen manager?

Assistant Kitchen Managers are professionals who help oversee the daily operations of a restaurant or food service kitchen. They support the Kitchen Manager in supervising staff, ensuring food safety and quality standards, managing inventory, and assisting with scheduling and training. Their role is crucial in maintaining efficient kitchen workflow and ensuring that meals are prepared according to company standards. They often step in to handle any issues that arise during busy periods and act as a bridge between kitchen staff and management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant kitchen manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Kitchen Manager, you need solid culinary skills, experience in food safety and sanitation practices, and often a background in hospitality or culinary arts. Familiarity with kitchen management software, inventory systems, and food handling certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational abilities, and excellent communication help you motivate staff and ensure smooth kitchen operations. These skills are vital for maintaining food quality, safety standards, and efficient teamwork in a busy kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges faced by an assistant kitchen manager and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Kitchen Managers often face challenges such as managing a high-volume kitchen during busy shifts, ensuring consistent food quality, and maintaining effective communication between kitchen staff and front-of-house teams. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Building a well-trained team, setting clear expectations, and fostering open communication can help minimize misunderstandings and keep operations running smoothly, even during peak hours.

What is the difference between Assistant Kitchen Manager vs Kitchen Supervisor?

AspectAssistant Kitchen ManagerKitchen Supervisor
CredentialsFood safety certifications, culinary experienceFood safety certifications, supervisory experience
Work EnvironmentKitchen, restaurant, food serviceKitchen, restaurant, food service
Employer UsageRestaurants, hotels, cateringRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search IntentRoles, responsibilities, career pathRoles, responsibilities, supervision duties

Both roles operate in similar food service environments and require food safety certifications. The Assistant Kitchen Manager typically supports the kitchen operations and reports to the Kitchen Manager, while the Kitchen Supervisor focuses on overseeing daily kitchen activities and staff supervision. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression and job expectations in the food service industry.

What does an assistant kitchen manager do?

An assistant kitchen manager supports the head chef or kitchen manager in overseeing daily kitchen operations, including supervising staff, ensuring food quality and safety, managing inventory, and maintaining cleanliness. They often handle scheduling, training, and may assist with ordering supplies to ensure efficient kitchen performance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Assistant Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Kitchen Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,308 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Kitchen Manager

Cooper's Hawk

Wheeling, IL • On-site

$57K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Cooper's Hawk rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 114 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

As Kitchen Manager, you will help lead the way in our fast-paced, high-volume, scratch kitchen, driving the culinary execution of our uniquely inspired menu with items thoughtfully paired with our Cooper's Hawk wines. You will partner closely with the Executive Kitchen Manager to deliver uncompromising hospitality, while coaching and inspiring our Team Members to ensure high food quality and a memorable guest experience.
Kitchen Manager Compensation range is $57,000-$65,000/year + 10% bonus potential.
The final offered salary will be based on several factors, including but not limited to the candidate's depth of experience, skill set, qualifications, and internal pay equity.
What You Will Get
  • 50 percent Dining and Carryout Discount; 40 percent Retail Wine Discount; 20 percent Discount on Retail and Private Events
  • Monthly Complimentary Wine Tasting for Two
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision and Telehealth plus Wellness Discount
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Health & Flexible Savings Accounts- Health and Dependent Care
  • Long-Term Disability; Voluntary Short-Term Disability
  • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (with option to purchase additional coverage)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Time Off
  • Access to Team Member Relief Program
  • Wellness and Mental Health Support
  • "Everyday Benefits" Program to include insurance coverage (pet, life, auto, home/property) and employee discounts on goods and services
  • Team Member Rewards, Milestone Recognition and Referral Bonuses
  • Career Development Opportunities

How You Will Succeed
Show Up Ready: Come prepared, stay sharp and start strong .
  • Oversee 1-2 kitchen departments including dish, prep, and/or line
  • Maintain a professional image and uphold Cooper's Hawk culinary and safety standards
  • Use tools like POS systems, scheduling software, ordering/inventory systems, and Microsoft Office to stay organized
  • Help execute new menu roll-outs, kitchen initiatives, and private events, including monthly Wine Club dinners

Own What You See: Take responsibility, jump in, and do what needs to be done .
  • Help hire, train, and develop hourly kitchen Team Members on kitchen standards
  • Ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, and kitchen policies
  • Be accountable for prep and line knowledge to drive financial and operational results
  • Assist with weekly inventory and labor management

Stay in Sync: Communicate often, move with your team, and keep service flowing .
  • Foster strong collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house teams
  • Lead department meetings and coach Team Members
  • Partner with the Executive Kitchen Manager and General Manager to achieve restaurant goals
  • Assist in executing private events, including monthly themed Wine Club dinners

Make It Personal: Be genuine, listen well, and tailor the experience .
  • Represent Cooper's Hawk values and create a respectful, inclusive kitchen culture
  • Support your team with the tools and training they need to succeed
  • Ensure every dish meets our high standards and enhances the guest experience

Add a Touch: Go beyond the expected to create memorable moments .
  • Empower your team to take pride in their work and deliver exceptional food
  • Celebrate wins, big and small, with your team
  • Contribute to a kitchen environment that inspires excellence

What You Wi ll Bring
  • 1-2 years of supervisory experience in high volume kitchen in a full-service restaurant environment. Scratch kitchen experience preferred.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • A minimum age requirement of 21 years
  • Ability to read, understand and communicate in English
  • Demonstrates financial acumen
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Preferred certifications include ServSafe and state/local licensing requirements
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to stand for at least 10 hours per shift
  • Must have the ability to work 50-60 hours per week
  • Must be able to work flexible shifts and schedules, inclusive of weekends and some holidays

Cooper's Hawk reviews several factors when establishing compensation. Salaries and hourly wages appearing in a job posting may be published by third parties and may not reflect the salaries or hourly wages offered by Cooper's Hawk.
Cooper's Hawk is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Cooper's Hawk makes reasonable accommodations during all aspects of the employment process, including during the interview process.
The information provided above indicates the general nature and level of work required of the position and is not a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications. The Benefits list is only a highlight of some of the benefits offered to team members; eligibility for certain benefits apply.
About Us
Cooper's Hawk features a Napa-style tasting room with wine-inspired retail for entertaining and a full-service restaurant, bar and private event space, offering a modern-yet-casual dining experience. Each scratch-kitchen menu item is designed to pair with our wines. Speaking of wine...the Cooper's Hawk Wine Club is perhaps the largest in the world, offering not only top-notch award-winning wines but also exclusive Wine Club membership benefits, including curated dining and travel experiences. Since 2005, we've brought the Napa Valley experience to our guests and Wine Club members, and now, with Piccolo Buco by Cooper's Hawk, we're bringing the vibrant flavors of Rome to them as well. Together, we're creating a lifestyle brand like no other.

What Cooper's Hawk employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom