Kitchen Assistant Manager

The City of Newton, Massachusetts, is a dynamic and vibrant community known for its safe neighborhoods, excellent public schools, and active community life. With a population of approximately 88,900 and spread across 18.3 square miles, Newton is renowned for its suburban-residential character that is uniquely divided into thirteen distinct villages. Newton supports a diversified economy with around 4,700 establishments providing employment to nearly 79,500 people. It is home to several esteemed educational institutions, including parts of Boston College and UMass Amherst - Mount Ida Campus, along with Newton-Wellesley Hospital, a key partner in the community’s healthcare system. The city government is fiscally responsible and robust, holding a top AAA rating from Moody's Investors Services. Newton is a top-rated place to live, celebrated for both its quality of life and well-managed city services.

The Assistant Kitchen Manager position is an integral part of the Cooper Center Café operations, supporting the Older Adult Services Department by ensuring the delivery of nutritious, high-quality meals in a safe and hospitable environment. This part-time role, approximately 19.5 hours per week, plays a critical role in the day-to-day kitchen and café management under the guidance of the Food Service Manager. The Assistant Kitchen Manager helps ensure all food preparation and service meet strict food safety standards and caters to diverse dietary needs, including low-sodium, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. This position supports inventory management, volunteer coordination, and customer service excellence. It also involves scheduling and supervising food service volunteers, as well as handling point-of-sale transactions and cash reconciliation.

This role requires the ability to work with a variety of kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, maintaining rigorous cleanliness and sanitation standards. The individual is responsible for monitoring inventory levels, assisting with ordering, and tracking food production and sanitation documentation. A key responsibility is to provide leadership and training to kitchen staff and volunteers, stepping into the Food Service Manager's shoes when necessary to oversee café operations. The position involves frequent interaction with older adults, volunteers, city staff, vendors, and community partners, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.

The Assistant Kitchen Manager also supports special events, community meal programs, catering services, and cooking demonstrations that advance the mission of the Cooper Center. Participation in professional development and staff meetings is essential to maintain high-quality service and stay up-to-date with food safety regulations and best practices. The City of Newton fosters a diverse and inclusive workforce and is committed to providing professional growth opportunities and a supportive work environment. Although this is a non-benefitted, hourly position, candidates can expect competitive wages and the opportunity to contribute positively to the well-being of Newton's community members, particularly its older adult population.