Kitchen Manager

Columbus, OH, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Range $20.84 - $23.12

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Paid holidays

Employee assistance program

Professional Development

Job Description

Upper Arlington City Schools is a respected educational institution committed to fostering academic excellence and promoting a nurturing environment for students and staff. Serving the community with a focus on quality education and comprehensive student development, the district continually invests in operational excellence and support services to ensure an optimal learning experience. The district is actively seeking a dedicated Kitchen Manager to join its Nutritional Services Department, specifically based in one of its high schools. This role is essential to the daily operation of the school’s kitchen, focusing on efficient meal service paired with maintaining high standards of food quality and student satisfaction. As a Kitchen Manager, the individual will work closely with the Director of Nutritional Services and the Nutritional Services Coordinator to lead and support the kitchen staff and building lead cooks. The position demands a hands-on leader who champions best practices in food preparation, safety, sanitation, and customer service while ensuring regulatory compliance with USDA and local health standards. With a working schedule of Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the school year (10 months), this classified non-exempt role offers an hourly wage ranging between $20.84 and $23.12. The role’s responsibilities extend to overseeing menu rollouts, boosting production workflow efficiency, and fostering a collaborative, positive environment that aligns with the district’s mission and strategic priorities. The Kitchen Manager is pivotal in maintaining kitchen operations that deliver attractive, quality meals to students while supervising a team of cooks to uphold the highest standards in all nutritional services provided. This opportunity fits motivated individuals passionate about food service management in educational settings and committed to contributing to a healthier school community.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
Minimum 3 years experience as a cook including at least 1 year in supervisory position
Valid driver's license
Serv-Safe or equivalent food safety certification
Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly both orally and in writing
Experience cooking in large quantities
Ability to follow recipes and understand written and verbal instructions
Ability to work quickly and efficiently during lunch periods
Ability to work effectively with others
Ability to supervise semi-skilled cafeteria staff
Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and customer service standards
Ability to maintain a clean and safe work environment
Physical ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items up to 50 pounds and 300 pounds on wheels
Flexibility to attend trainings and occasional overtime work
Ability to interact positively with students, staff, and public
Commitment to confidentiality and compliance with regulations

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or GED
Three plus years of cooking experience
At least one year in a supervisory role
Valid driver's license
Serv-Safe or Level II certification
Catering experience preferred
Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing
Knowledge of food preparation and safety standards
Experience with large quantity cooking
Ability to follow recipes and instructions
Organizational and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Familiarity with kitchen equipment operation and cleaning
Commitment to friendly customer service
Ability to maintain confidentiality

Job Duties

Ensure safety of students
Foster and maintain a positive, welcoming and respectful environment in the cafeteria
Adhere to federal, state and local laws pertaining to school food service programs
Utilize and adhere to standardized recipes
Maintain an organized, clean and safe work environment
Assist in daily cleaning of kitchen equipment and serving lines
Instruct cooks and food service workers on proper measurements for meal preparation
Supervise and train high school kitchen staff
Adjust schedules and assignments to ensure efficient cafeteria operation
Adapt meals to accommodate supply shortages
Perform regular inventories and order supplies as needed
Attend meetings and training as required
Complete daily production records and HACCP documentation
Follow school district menu and ensure food and supplies availability
Interact positively with staff, students, and parents
Maintain orderly and clean work areas
Maintain confidentiality regarding student information
Prepare and serve quality food with attractive presentation
Report inferior quality food or equipment faults
Plan food defrosting and stock storage
Monitor food and supply orders
Wash and sanitize kitchen utensils and areas
Assist in catering orders
Promote good public relations and serve as a role model
Engage with students to promote healthy eating habits