Culinary Manager

RWJBarnabas Health Corporate Services is a leading healthcare organization dedicated to improving health outcomes and enhancing community well-being across New Jersey. Operating as part of the RWJBarnabas Health system, this department, RWJBH Community Health Project, focuses on community-based health initiatives that address social determinants of health and promote food security and sustainable local food systems. Located at 95 Old Short Hills Road, West Orange, NJ, RWJBarnabas Health provides a collaborative, innovative work environment committed to supporting the physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being of its employees and the communities it serves. \n\nThe Culinary Manager role at RWJBarnabas Health Corporate Services is a full-time, salaried position offering an annual pay range of $75,600 to $106,780. This important leadership position is responsible for overseeing all culinary operations at the HARVEST Food Hub, an industrial kitchen incubator facility designed to support food entrepreneurs, community partners, and the Urban Agriculture Cooperative's processing programs. The Manager will lead daily operations of the shared-use commercial kitchen, ensuring adherence to food safety compliance, equipment management, and standards that foster economic development and food security within the local community. \n\nThis role demands a balance of operational expertise and community-focused support, including mentoring culinary entrepreneurs, managing food processing operations, and collaborating with registered dietitians to develop nutrition-focused and medically tailored food programs. The Culinary Manager will be instrumental in advancing the mission to enhance local food systems, support sustainable agriculture, and bolster workforce development initiatives through culinary education and business support programs. \n\nWith responsibilities ranging from scheduling and equipment maintenance to regulatory compliance with health authorities and the FDA, this role requires a comprehensive understanding of commercial kitchen management, HACCP principles, ServSafe certification, and the ability to manage vendor relationships and inventory. The Culinary Manager will also develop revenue-generating culinary programs, including cooking classes and catering services, and oversee certification programs to ensure all facility users meet food safety standards. \n\nThe position demands excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, farmers, healthcare professionals, and community members. Bilingual Spanish/English capabilities are strongly preferred due to the diverse population served. Additionally, the Culinary Manager should be flexible to work evenings and weekends as needed to support community programs and entrepreneur activities. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to impact public health and economic development through food entrepreneurship within the Greater Newark community, contributing to RWJBarnabas Health's vision of creating healthier communities in an equitable and compassionate manner.