Job Overview:
The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Binghamton is seeking a dedicated and organized Kitchen Manager to oversee the daily operations of our kosher kitchen, serving nutritious meals and snacks to children enrolled in our Early Childhood Center program.
The Kitchen Manager is responsible for menu planning, food preparation, inventory management, ordering, record keeping, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kosher compliance. This position ensures all meals meet the requirements of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Department of Health (DOH) regulations, and Jewish dietary (Kosher) laws.
Working closely with the Early Childhood Director and management team, the Kitchen Manager coordinates meal service, and helps create a welcoming environment where healthy nutrition and Jewish values are celebrated.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university in Food Service Management, Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or a closely related field and two (2) years of experience in large-scale food preparation; OR
- Four (4) years of experience preparing meals in a *large-scale commercial kitchen; OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience operating a kosher kitchen or willingness to learn and maintain kosher food preparation practices.
*Large-scale food preparation is defined as preparing a variety of meals requiring multiple preparation techniques for groups of more than 50 people.
Submission of the New York State Central Clearance Form, finger printing and documentation of a physical examination and TB skin test is mandatory prior to employment. Submission of college transcripts may be required. Three job-related references must be supplied and will be checked prior to employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of USDA CACFP regulations and meal pattern requirements.
- Experience in an early childhood education, school, camp, healthcare, or institutional food service setting.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
Essential Responsibilities
- Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks in accordance with USDA CACFP meal pattern requirements for 200+ children daily.
- Ensure all food preparation, storage, and service comply with kosher dietary laws, maintaining the integrity of the JCC's kosher kitchen.
- Coordinate and prepare menus that meet nutritional guidelines while accommodating allergies, dietary restrictions, and special meal accommodations.
- Coordinate meal service for both classroom dining and the Early Childhood lunchroom, ensuring meals are prepared, served, and delivered on schedule while maintaining food safety, sanitation, and age-appropriate portion requirements.
- Maintain accurate CACFP documentation, including production records, meal counts, temperature logs, inventory, and receiving records.
- Order food and supplies while maintaining budget-conscious purchasing practices.
- Receive, inspect, and properly store deliveries while ensuring kosher certification requirements are met.
- Supervise and assign duties to kitchen staff to ensure efficient daily operations.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen in compliance with DOH, OCFS food safety standards, and Kosher practices.
- Conduct routine inspections and maintenance checks of kitchen equipment and coordinate repairs when necessary.
- Assist with the preparation, distribution, and collection of meals, tableware, and food service equipment from classrooms and the lunchroom.
- Monitor food inventory and minimize waste through proper rotation and storage practices.
- Ensure all staff follow safe food handling procedures and maintain required food safety certifications.
- Collaborate with the Early Childhood leadership team to support special events, holiday celebrations, and community programming.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee Discount, including JCC Membership benefits
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
About the Jewish Community Center
The Jewish Community Center of Binghamton is a welcoming, inclusive nonprofit organization serving individuals and families of all backgrounds. Our Early Childhood Center provides high-quality care and education for children from infancy through school age while fostering community, respect, lifelong learning, and Jewish values. Our kosher kitchen plays an important role in supporting the health, well-being, and traditions of the families we serve.
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
