Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $70,000.00 - $75,000.00
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Flexible medical health plans
Ability to select between a variety of medical plans
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Disability Benefits
Life insurance
Parental leave
Flexible spending account options
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Fitness Discounts
entertainment discounts
Employee assistance program
403B retirement plan with employer matching
Referral bonuses
Paid Time Off
Job Description
DREAM, originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, has grown to become a prominent educational and youth development organization serving over 2,500 youth annually across East Harlem and the South Bronx. DREAM operates a network of seven PreK-12 schools, providing extended-day and extended-year programs alongside community sports-based youth development initiatives. The organization is deeply committed to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, comprehensive family and community engagement, and health and wellness initiatives. This holistic approach ensures that DREAM cultivates lifelong learners who are fully equipped to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. With ambitious plans to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools in the coming years, DREAM is continuously enhancing its outreach and impact, leveling the playing field for all children regardless of their background. For more information, visit wearedream.org.
DREAM is currently seeking a dedicated and results-driven Kitchen Manager to lead its culinary program. This role involves close collaboration with the Program Chef and the Chief Operating Officer to realize DREAM's vision of a best-in-class food and nutrition program. Reporting to the Director of Special Projects, the Kitchen Manager will be responsible for the daily operational management of the kitchen staff and ensuring compliance with all administrative and regulatory requirements. Key responsibilities include overseeing meal preparation and service for DREAM students and staff, supporting the Program Chef in training kitchen personnel on cooking techniques, food safety, recipes, and organizational practices. The ideal candidate will embrace DREAM's comprehensive approach to youth development and demonstrate leadership skills that inspire and motivate the kitchen team to achieve excellence. This position demands a strong commitment to DREAM's mission and organizational values, a high level of expertise in food service operations, and the capability to work proactively in a dynamic environment.
The Kitchen Manager will support the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) compliance, uphold food safety and quality standards, maintain meticulous records including HACCP and USDA guidelines, and collaborate with school leadership to ensure smooth kitchen operations. This role also involves inventory management, procurement, staff scheduling, performance reviews, and fostering strong relationships with students, families, and staff. Additionally, the Kitchen Manager will oversee meal services for special events and support overall kitchen operations including cleaning and equipment upkeep. DREAM offers a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $75,000 per year, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee well-being and professional growth.
DREAM is currently seeking a dedicated and results-driven Kitchen Manager to lead its culinary program. This role involves close collaboration with the Program Chef and the Chief Operating Officer to realize DREAM's vision of a best-in-class food and nutrition program. Reporting to the Director of Special Projects, the Kitchen Manager will be responsible for the daily operational management of the kitchen staff and ensuring compliance with all administrative and regulatory requirements. Key responsibilities include overseeing meal preparation and service for DREAM students and staff, supporting the Program Chef in training kitchen personnel on cooking techniques, food safety, recipes, and organizational practices. The ideal candidate will embrace DREAM's comprehensive approach to youth development and demonstrate leadership skills that inspire and motivate the kitchen team to achieve excellence. This position demands a strong commitment to DREAM's mission and organizational values, a high level of expertise in food service operations, and the capability to work proactively in a dynamic environment.
The Kitchen Manager will support the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) compliance, uphold food safety and quality standards, maintain meticulous records including HACCP and USDA guidelines, and collaborate with school leadership to ensure smooth kitchen operations. This role also involves inventory management, procurement, staff scheduling, performance reviews, and fostering strong relationships with students, families, and staff. Additionally, the Kitchen Manager will oversee meal services for special events and support overall kitchen operations including cleaning and equipment upkeep. DREAM offers a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $75,000 per year, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports employee well-being and professional growth.
Job Requirements
- Ability to lift, carry, and push supplies and boxes up to 50 pounds
- ability to stand for long periods, bend, kneel, and reach
- occasional exposure to inclement weather
- primary work site in East Harlem or South Bronx
- ideal start date July 1, 2026
Job Qualifications
- At least 5 years of professional cooking experience
- at least 3 years of kitchen supervisory experience as a sous chef or kitchen manager
- valid NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate or ability to obtain prior to start
- familiarity with USDA NSLP and CACFP standards or ability to learn
- bilingual Spanish speaking preferred
- strong understanding of food safety practices
- strong cooking ability with knowledge of basic techniques
- strong leadership and teaching skills
- strong critical thinking and planning skills
- strong commitment to DREAM's mission and values
- strong customer service skills
- ability to receive and implement feedback
- outstanding dependability
- collaborative team player
- willingness to adapt to changing priorities
- basic computer literacy including Microsoft, Google, and Zoom
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
Job Duties
- Support the program chef in overseeing NSLP-compliant food service program
- support the program chef in creating and implementing operating standards, protocols, and SOPs
- create, monitor, and maintain daily production and service of meals
- ensure food safety, cleanliness, and organization standards
- create menus and develop NSLP-compliant recipes
- maintain required records including HACCP documentation
- adhere to USDA and DOH guidelines and regulations
- place orders for food and supplies and ensure prompt delivery and storage
- execute physical inventory of food and supplies
- manage and oversee kitchen staff to meet quality and safety standards
- conduct annual performance reviews and provide feedback
- create and distribute kitchen schedules
- coordinate food service with schools including enrollment and dietary restrictions
- monitor feedback from students and communicate to Program Chef
- maintain strong relationships with students, employees, and leadership
- communicate with DREAM Directors of Operation regarding schedule changes
- oversee and manage meal service for special events
- create and implement systems for school food service
- support additional tasks including dishwashing and cleaning
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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