Kitchen Associate Supervisor

Lifescape Community Services Inc.; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifescape Community Services Inc. is seeking a Kitchen Associate Supervisor in Rockford, IL, to oversee daily nutrition operations, food production, and meal service. You will supervise and train staff, ensure safety, and support program standards across all kitchen activities.

You will manage inventory, plan production, and lead the hot line, with a focus on quality, accuracy, and compliance with health regulations. Excellent leadership and food safety knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in food service, inventory management, or high-volume food preparation.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and manage staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food production, packaging, serving, and cleanup.
• Manage food and supply inventory, receiving, storage, rotation, and ordering.
• Supervise meal production to ensure proper recipes, portions, temperatures, and packaging.
• Lead hot line operations and provide backup support for kitchen staff.
• Prepare production plans and assign staff to daily duties.
• Ensure accurate meal counts and distribution to sites and drivers.
• Monitor food quality, sanitation, and temperature compliance.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and assist with recipe development and testing.
• Review health department findings and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare for audits and program reviews, maintaining SOPs and certifications.
• Supervise, train, coach, and evaluate staff; conduct evaluations and disciplinary actions.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Inventory management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Kitchen Associate Supervisor oversees daily Nutrition and kitchen operations, including food production, inventory, meal preparation, packaging, serving, sanitation, and quality control. This position supervises and trains Nutrition staff, ensures compliance with health and safety regulations and program standards, and supports efficient, high-quality meal service.

Supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, onboarding, scheduling, training, performance management, staff coaching, complaint resolution, and compliance monitoring. All hiring and terminations require approval from the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, food production, meal preparation, packaging, serving, and cleanup.
• Manage food and supply inventory, receiving, storage, rotation, and ordering.
• Supervise meal production to ensure recipes, portions, temperatures, packaging, and menu requirements are followed.
• Lead the hot line and provide backup support for kitchen positions as needed.
• Prepare production plans and assign staff to daily duties.
• Ensure accurate meal counts and distribution to program sites and Home Delivered Meals drivers.
• Monitor food quality, sanitation, food handling, and temperature requirements.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and assist with recipe development and testing.
• Review health department findings and implement corrective actions.
• Prepare for audits and program reviews and maintain required SOPs and certifications.
• Supervise, train, coach, and evaluate staff; complete required evaluations and disciplinary actions.
• Conduct interviews, assist with onboarding, and maintain training materials and job descriptions.
• Approve schedules, timesheets, and PTO requests.
• Lead staff meetings and address employee concerns and conflicts.
• Work with the CHRO to maintain required employee documentation.
• Monitor program outcomes and identify operational improvements.
• Assist with volunteers, interns, agency events, and community activities.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Follow all organizational policies, regulations, and program requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Food Management, Food and Nutrition, Home Economics, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in food service, inventory management, or high-volume food preparation.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and meal production.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and manage staff.