Job Overview:
The Food Service Manager provides leadership in customer service, quality control, food safety, and employee supervision. This position supervises food quality, manages kitchen and vending staff, and handles administrative tasks for both kitchen and vending operations. The Food Service Manager will collaborate with Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Program, and Facilities staff to improve processes and ensure compliance with current regulations and guidance from licensing and accreditation agencies as well as program requirements of funders and suppliers.
Responsibilities:
- Supervise and coordinate kitchen staff activities to ensure smooth operation during service hours.
- Develop and implement menus that reflect dietary-approved selections while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and maintain proper food handling procedures.
- Manage inventory levels, including ordering supplies and controlling waste to stay within budget.
- Train and mentor kitchen staff on cooking techniques, food presentation, and safety practices.
- Collaborate with staff to ensure seamless service and client satisfaction.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, ensuring all equipment is in good working order.
- Handle vendor management procedures as necessary.
- Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, ordinances, and guidance of licensing and accreditation agencies including the American Correctional Association (ACA), CARF, Ohio Board of Dietetics, Ohio Department of Agriculture, county health departments, USDA, and FDA
- Proven experience in a kitchen management role within the food industry, preferably in an institutional dining setting.
- Strong knowledge of food handling practices, food safety regulations, and sanitation standards.
- Experience with budgeting and cost control in a food service setting.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team effectively.
- Strong communication skills to interact with kitchen staff, clients, vendors, and other agency personnel.
Credentials / Academic Requirements:
- Associate's degree in food science or similar subject; Bachelor’s degree a plus.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in food service, preferably in varied kitchen positions.
- Experience in food service management is a plus.
- Current SERV Safe Manager certification, required.
- SERV Safe Trainer designation a plus.
- Current Ohio Department of Health Certification in Food Protection.
- Foodservice Management Professional (FMP) certification by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is not required but is a plus.
If you are passionate about culinary excellence and possess the necessary skills to lead a dynamic kitchen team, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity as our Food Service Manager.