Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Paid vacation
paid holiday
Paid sick time
Retirement Plan
Job Description
Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA) is a well-respected nonprofit organization that delivers a variety of community services aimed at improving the quality of life for local residents. Among its core programs is the Head Start Preschool initiative, a longstanding federal program originally established during the War on Poverty. Head Start programs are recognized nationally for their comprehensive approach to early childhood education, focusing on preparing children and families for kindergarten and life beyond. GBCA's Head Start program partners closely with local school districts, providing an enriching and supportive environment for both children and staff, emphasizing staff wellness and professional growth.
The Kitchen Operation Manager role within GBCA's Food and Nutrition Department offers a unique and impactful opportunity for experienced food service professionals who are passionate about nutrition and leadership. This full-time position is focused on overseeing the daily operations of three separate kitchens dedicated to the Head Start program. The role is critical in ensuring that nutritious, high-quality meals are prepared, safely and efficiently distributed, and compliant with all relevant health and safety regulations. The manager must balance hands-on involvement with strategic decision-making and team leadership, fostering a cohesive and motivated kitchen staff. GBCA values organization, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence in this role.
This position requires an individual with a strong background in kitchen and food service management, including expertise in food safety standards, inventory management, and cost control. The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and proficiency with scheduling and nutritional software. Given the diverse communities served, multilingual abilities such as Spanish, Arabic, or Bengali are advantageous. The Kitchen Operation Manager will also be responsible for complying with USDA Childcare guidelines and CACFP standards, contributing to menu development, training staff on food production and safety, and ensuring meals accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.
This position reports to the Director of Food and Nutrition and involves significant local travel among Head Start and Early Head Start facilities to maintain licensing and compliance standards. The role is fully funded and offers competitive benefits including medical (via an ICHRA model), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, and retirement plan participation with matching after one year. GBCA fosters an inclusive, equitable workplace and encourages candidates to specify salary expectations when applying. This is an excellent career advancement opportunity for individuals dedicated to making a meaningful difference in children’s lives through leadership in food service operations.
The Kitchen Operation Manager role within GBCA's Food and Nutrition Department offers a unique and impactful opportunity for experienced food service professionals who are passionate about nutrition and leadership. This full-time position is focused on overseeing the daily operations of three separate kitchens dedicated to the Head Start program. The role is critical in ensuring that nutritious, high-quality meals are prepared, safely and efficiently distributed, and compliant with all relevant health and safety regulations. The manager must balance hands-on involvement with strategic decision-making and team leadership, fostering a cohesive and motivated kitchen staff. GBCA values organization, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence in this role.
This position requires an individual with a strong background in kitchen and food service management, including expertise in food safety standards, inventory management, and cost control. The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and proficiency with scheduling and nutritional software. Given the diverse communities served, multilingual abilities such as Spanish, Arabic, or Bengali are advantageous. The Kitchen Operation Manager will also be responsible for complying with USDA Childcare guidelines and CACFP standards, contributing to menu development, training staff on food production and safety, and ensuring meals accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.
This position reports to the Director of Food and Nutrition and involves significant local travel among Head Start and Early Head Start facilities to maintain licensing and compliance standards. The role is fully funded and offers competitive benefits including medical (via an ICHRA model), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick leave, holiday pay, and retirement plan participation with matching after one year. GBCA fosters an inclusive, equitable workplace and encourages candidates to specify salary expectations when applying. This is an excellent career advancement opportunity for individuals dedicated to making a meaningful difference in children’s lives through leadership in food service operations.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Minimum of three years management experience in food service operations
- Strong knowledge of food safety standards and health codes
- Experience in inventory management and cost control
- ServSafe Manager Certification
- Ability to manage a diverse team
- Proficiency in scheduling and nutritional software
- Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle for local travel
- Excellent communication skills
- Multi-linguistic ability a plus
- Knowledge of USDA Childcare guidelines and CACFP
- Strong computer proficiency
- Willingness to obtain ServSafe Instructor credential within three months
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts food service management or related field and/or equivalent experience
- Minimum of three years of management experience in kitchen or food service operations
- Strong knowledge of food safety standards health codes and sanitation practices
- Experience with inventory management purchasing and cost control
- Excellent organizational problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Ability to manage and motivate a diverse team in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in scheduling and production software inventory systems and nutritional software
- ServSafe Manager Certification required
- Certified ServSafe Instructor or Proctor credential or willingness and ability to obtain within three months of hire
- Multi-linguistic ability Spanish Arabic Bengali a plus
- Knowledge of USDA Childcare guidelines CACFP USDA meal patterns and food safety standards
- Proficient computer skills including Microsoft applications and nutrient analysis programs
- Valid driver’s license with good driving history and insurability
- Use of own vehicle for local travel required
Job Duties
- Oversee daily kitchen operations ensuring food preparation and production meet quality and safety standards
- Manage and optimize delivery logistics to ensure timely and accurate distribution of meals
- Supervise the purchasing of all food ingredients and supply stock while maintaining budget and cost controls
- Provide leadership and direction to kitchen staff including training scheduling and performance management
- Make critical operational decisions regarding production and delivery timelines
- Develop implement and monitor standard operating procedures for kitchen and delivery processes
- Ensure compliance with health safety and food service regulations
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.
We'll match you with best jobs
Get job offers faster
Search For More Opportunities:
How Candidates Get Hired Faster
Apply to 2–3 similar roles
Complete profile & get best matches
Check new opportunities daily
