Food Production Manager

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank is the largest hunger relief organization in Northeast Ohio, dedicated to providing nutritious meals and essential resources to individuals and families facing food insecurity across Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Ashland, and Richland counties. In 2024 alone, the organization provided over 50 million meals to those in need, demonstrating its vital role in combating hunger and improving lives in the region. The Food Bank operates with a mission of partnering with the community to ensure that neighbors facing hunger have access to nutritious food and can thrive despite economic challenges. This mission is supported by a culture that values continuous learning, development, and fostering a supportive work environment. The organization offers competitive pay along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off and holiday pay from day one, low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement plan, wellness programs, childcare assistance, tuition and student loan assistance, disability coverage, and life insurance, all designed to support the well-being and growth of employees.

The role offered is a leadership position within the Food Bank's kitchen operations, providing supervision and guidance to staff and volunteers under the direction of the General Manager of Kitchen Operations. This position plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient, safe, and sanitary kitchen production to support the Food Bank's mission. The successful candidate will oversee cooks working in the Prep and High Care Prep areas, ensuring that all production assignments are completed promptly and in compliance with regulatory standards. Responsibilities include assisting in production planning for hot and cold meal menus, coordinating with management to meet production schedules, managing product ordering and inventory control, and supporting food safety and sanitation compliance through HACCP standards. The role also requires engagement in volunteer training and scheduling, fostering a positive volunteer experience, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the food production area.

Leadership and training are key aspects of the position, as the candidate will oversee the work of four full-time cooks and collaborate closely with the General Manager to ensure smooth kitchen operations. They will serve as a subject matter expert on recipes, production procedures, food safety, and kitchen equipment, including ovens, chillers, and slicers. Documentation for quality assurance, production compliance, and regulatory standards are part of the daily duties, along with participation in process improvement efforts such as LEAN council activities, kaizens, or 5S campaigns. The role demands frequent physical activity including standing, walking, and lifting, with exposure to typical kitchen environments that can be wet, humid, or noisy.

Ideal candidates will have at least a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of four years of experience cooking in a high-volume food service setting, with supervisory experience preferred. Certifications in Serve Safe or HACCP training are advantageous but not mandatory. The Food Bank embraces diversity and values applicants who demonstrate a commitment to inclusive interactions across different cultures and backgrounds. The salary range for the role is $55,000 to $60,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The position requires legal authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship and is contingent upon successful completion of background checks, drug screening, and other onboarding verifications. By joining the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, employees become part of a mission-driven organization recognized as a North Coast 99 Employer from 2017 through 2025, dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the community through food security and support services.