Premium Food & Wine Concept | Up to $65K + Bonus

Location: Cornelius, NC (Lake Norman Area)

Position: Culinary Manager (Kitchen & Retail Leadership)

Compensation: Up to $65,000 (DOE) + Quarterly Bonus

Schedule: No Late Nights

Status: Immediate Opening

We are hiring a Culinary Manager in Cornelius, NC to lead a premium butcher shop, chef-driven prepared foods program, and modern wine bar in the Lake Norman market.

This Culinary Manager job in Cornelius, NC is ideal for a Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or Chef looking to step into a leadership role with better hours, strong systems, and long-term growth.

If you’re searching for Culinary Manager jobs in Cornelius, NC, chef-driven retail food concepts, or a restaurant alternative with work-life balance, this is a rare and high-quality opportunity.

About the Culinary Manager Role

This Culinary Manager position in Cornelius, NC blends:

• Scratch kitchen execution
• Retail and prepared foods operations
• Wine bar guest experience

You will lead both culinary production and guest-facing operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and a strong team culture.

This is a hands-on leadership role where your impact is visible across the entire operation.

Culinary Manager Responsibilities

• Lead all back-of-house operations, including food production and meat fabrication
• Oversee prepared foods, retail, and wine bar execution
• Manage P&L performance, including labor, inventory, and COGS
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing culinary team
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards (ServSafe preferred)
• Ensure consistency in quality, presentation, and execution
• Drive guest satisfaction, repeat business, and overall experience
• Partner with ownership on operational improvements and growth initiatives

Culinary Manager Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a Culinary Manager, Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or Chef
• Strong understanding of food cost, labor management, and kitchen systems
• Experience in scratch kitchens, premium products, or high-quality ingredients
• Butcher or meat cutting experience is a strong plus
• Background in retail, grocery, or hybrid culinary concepts preferred
• Proven leadership ability with a focus on team development and culture
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: Up to $65,000 (DOE)
• Quarterly Bonus Potential
• No late nights – improved work-life balance
• Stable, growing concept with long-term opportunity
• Supportive leadership team and structured environment

Why This Culinary Manager Job in Cornelius, NC Stands Out

• Unique concept combining butcher shop, prepared foods, and wine bar
• Work with high-quality proteins and elevated ingredients
• Leadership role with real ownership and visibility
• No late nights — rare in culinary leadership roles
• Clear path for career growth within an expanding organization

Apply for Culinary Manager Jobs in Cornelius, NC

If you’re a culinary leader ready to step into a unique, high-quality concept with better balance and growth potential, apply today.

Apply Now or send your resume confidentially to: kimber@geckohospitality.com

All inquiries are strictly confidential.

Referral Opportunity

Know a strong culinary leader? We welcome referrals for Culinary Manager jobs in Cornelius, NC.

Send recommendations to: kimber@geckohospitality.com