Kitchen Manager

The Goddard School; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free food & snacks

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

The Goddard School of Chicago (River West) is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee all kitchen operations in a child-focused environment at 727 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60642. You will lead meal planning, food safety, and daily service for young learners, ensuring nutritious, age-appropriate meals.

Ideal candidates bring a Food Handler's Certificate or ServSafe, strong HACCP knowledge, and excellent organizational and time-management skills.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in kitchen management or institutional cooking.
• Valid Food Handler's Certificate or ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain).
• Knowledge of HACCP guidelines and food safety standards.
• Experience in childcare or school setting is a plus.
• Ability to plan menus meeting USDA/CACFP guidelines.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Warm, team-oriented demeanor with passion for child wellness.
• Shift 6:45am to 2:45pm or 6:30am to 2:30pm.
• Pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children daily.
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, and budgeting.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health code regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
• Coordinate meal schedules with classroom teachers and school administration.
• Monitor dietary restrictions, allergies, and special nutritional needs.
• Oversee kitchen equipment maintenance and report issues promptly.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Organizational skills

Time management

Team-oriented demeanor

Education

Food Handler's Certificate or ServSafe Certification

Job description

About the Role

The Goddard School of Chicago (River West) located at 727 N Milwaukee Ave, chicago IL 60642, is looking for an expirenced, passionate and organized Kitchen Manager to join our team! In this role, you'll play a vital part in nourishing young minds by overseeing all kitchen operations in a warm, child-focused environment. If you love food, kids, and making a difference every day, this is the opportunity for you!

Benefits

• Free food & snacks
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks for children daily
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, and food supply budgeting
• Ensure full compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health code regulations
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment at all times
• Coordinate meal schedules with classroom teachers and school administration
• Monitor and accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special nutritional needs
• Oversee kitchen equipment maintenance and report any issues promptly

Requirements

• Previous experience in kitchen management, food service, or institutional cooking preferred
• Valid Food Handler's Certificate or ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain)
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation practices, and HACCP guidelines
• Experience working in a childcare, school, or similar institutional setting is a plus
• Ability to plan menus that meet USDA/CACFP nutritional guidelines
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Warm, team-oriented demeanor with a genuine passion for child wellness
• Required Shift is 6:45am to 2:45pm or 6:30am to 2:30pm
• Pass a background check

About Us

The Goddard School of Chicago (River West) is a trusted name in early childhood education, providing a safe, nurturing, and play-based learning environment for children from infancy through Pre-K. Families love us for our dedicated staff, enriching curriculum, and commitment to each child's growth and well-being. Our team members thrive in a supportive, mission-driven workplace where every role — including yours — truly matters.
Each Goddard School location is privately owned and operated by Goddard Franchisor LLC franchisees. The Goddard School franchise owner(s) are the employers at each school, and the franchise owner(s) set their own wage and benefit programs, which vary by location.