Overview
The Senior Nutrition Program Kitchen Manager oversees the daily operations of the Senior Nutrition Program kitchen, ensuring the preparation of safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals for home-delivered and congregate dining participants. This position is ideal for a hands-on leader with experience in high volume or bulk batch cooking who enjoys working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. The Kitchen Manager leads by example, fosters a positive and inclusive workplace, and is committed to treating every participant, volunteer, employee, and community member with dignity, kindness, and respect. Working closely with the Director and Program Coordinator, this position helps ensure the continued success of the Senior Nutrition Program while supporting the mission of Ashtabula County Community Action Agency.
This position is generally Monday through Friday and includes paid holidays/holidays off.
Major Responsibilities
- Supervise, mentor, schedule, and support kitchen staff while promoting teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
- Oversee the daily preparation of high-quality, nutritious meals using standardized recipes and proper portion control techniques.
- Plan, develop, and review menus in collaboration with the Registered Dietitian, Senior Nutrition Program Coordinator, and Director.
- Ensure meals are prepared and packaged accurately and delivered on schedule for both home delivered and congregate meal services.
- Perform and assist with bulk batch cooking and food preparation as needed.
- Order food, supplies, and kitchen equipment from approved vendors while maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
- Verify deliveries and invoices for accuracy.
- Develop and test standardized recipes while maintaining consistency, quality, and nutritional requirements.
- Maintain compliance with ServSafe standards, local health department regulations, agency policies, and funding source requirements
- Develop and implement cleaning, sanitation, and preventative maintenance schedules for the kitchen and equipment.
- Recruit, train, coach, and support staff and volunteers.
- Collect, enter, and maintain accurate program data, meal counts, reports, and required documentation.
- Respond professionally and compassionately to customer concerns, referring issues to the Director when appropriate.
- Prepare food for agency catering or special events and assist with service, when necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing or supervising a commercial, institutional, or high-volume food service kitchen.
- Demonstrated experience with bulk batch cooking and preparing large quantities of food while maintaining quality and consistency.
- Experience with menu planning, inventory management, ordering, and food cost control.
- Supervisory or leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills.
- Comfortable using computers and willing to learn agency software and database systems.
- ServSafe Certification or the ability to obtain certification
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends for special events.
- Valid Ohio driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to meet agency insurance requirements.
- Successful completion of required criminal background check and drug screening.
Physical Requirements
This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, and repetitive use of hands and arms. The ability to lift up to 80 pounds is required. Work is performed in a commercial kitchen environment with exposure to hot equipment, cleaning chemicals, and potential food safety hazards. Universal precautions and all safety procedures must be followed at all times. Occasional travel within Ashtabula County may be required.
Embark on a fulfilling career where your leadership transforms nutritional services into a cornerstone of compassionate local senior care!
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
