The Kitchen Manager is responsible for overseeing all food service operations within the shelter, ensuring the preparation and delivery of safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals for participants. The Kitchen Manager supervises kitchen staff and volunteers, maintains food safety and sanitation standards, manages inventory, and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The position requires strong leadership, organizational skills, food safety expertise, and a commitment to serving vulnerable populations with dignity and respect.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Food Service Operations
Plan, prepare, and oversee daily meal production.
Ensure meals meet nutritional guidelines and participant dietary needs.
Supervise food preparation, portioning, serving, and storage.
Monitor food quality and presentation.
Maintain meal schedules and service times.
Food Safety and Compliance
Maintain compliance with ServSafe standards and health department regulations.
Conduct and document food temperature monitoring.
Ensure proper food handling, storage, sanitation, and inventory rotation.
Maintain cleaning schedules and sanitation logs.
Prepare for and participate in health inspections.
Staff Supervision
Supervise kitchen employees, volunteers, and contracted food service personnel.
Train staff on food safety, sanitation, and kitchen procedures.
Schedule staff and ensure adequate kitchen coverage.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching when necessary.
Enforce workplace policies and professional standards.
Inventory and Budget Management
Order food, supplies, and kitchen equipment.
Monitor inventory levels and minimize waste.
Track food usage and maintain inventory records.
Ensure cost-effective purchasing practices.
Maintain vendor relationships.
Safety and Risk Management
Enforce kitchen safety procedures.
Ensure proper use of knives, equipment, and cleaning chemicals.
Investigate and report accidents, injuries, and safety concerns.
Follow emergency procedures and workplace violence prevention protocols.
Maintain safe and secure working conditions.
Shelter Operations Support
Promote a respectful and welcoming dining environment.
Interact professionally with participants, staff, and visitors.
Maintain confidentiality regarding participant and organizational information.
Follow the chain of command and agency policies.
Support trauma-informed care practices and participant-centered services.
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED required.
Valid ServSafe Manager Certification required.
Minimum two (2) years of food service supervisory experience.
Knowledge of commercial kitchen operations and food safety regulations.
Ability to supervise staff and volunteers effectively.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and recordkeeping.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, Hospitality, or related field.
Experience working in shelters, institutional food service, healthcare, schools, or nonprofit organizations.
Experience with inventory management and budgeting.
CPR and First Aid Certification.