Kitchen Manager (On-Call)

The Salvation Army Southern California; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A community service organization located in Mesa, AZ, is seeking a dedicated individual to oversee meal preparation for seniors. The role involves ensuring nutritious meals, supervising volunteers, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness in accordance with health standards. Candidates must have at least 5 years' experience in mass feeding operations and a high school diploma. A food handler's permit and Arizona driver's license are required. This position offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in mass feeding operations required.
• Must obtain a food handler’s permit within 7 days of employment.
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License with clean record needed.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must have a valid Arizona driver's license with clean record.
• Able to pass The Salvation Army Driver’s Test Certification.
• Effective communication with clients and volunteers.
• Ability to supervise volunteers in food prep and service.
• Work independently and take initiative.
• Must pass a criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Maintain health department standards for food safety.
• Develop and execute weekly meal plans for seniors.
• Supervise volunteers and guide them in food preparation.
• Ensure cleanliness and maintenance of the kitchen.
• Track daily meals and use portion control; minimize waste.
• Coordinate food supplies; trips to Depot limited to twice monthly.
• Secure food, equipment, and inventory; lock up after shifts.
• Create welcoming atmosphere with decorations and treats.
• Record senior arrivals and secure meal donations with Corps Officer.
• Supervise volunteers; ensure proper sign‑in and paperwork.
• Plan events and decorations for special occasions.
• Maintain temperature logs for reach‑ins and walk‑ins.
• Oversee dinners for children’s programs (≈40 meals).
• Oversee Sunday meal for 40–60 attendees.
• Ensure cleanliness of all kitchens (floors, counters, appliances).
• Plan and execute fundraising meals (Holiday/event menus).
• Take on other duties to support food operations.

Skills

Culinary skills for seniors' diet

Effective communication

Supervision of volunteers

Ability to lift 10-50 pounds

Food safety knowledge

Arizona driver’s license

Driver’s Test Certification

Client/volunteer communication

Volunteer supervision

Independent work ethic

Criminal background check

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

LOCATION: Mesa Corps, AZ

STATUS: Non Exempt / ON CALL

Qualifications

• Must be able to cook meals that would cater to a senior’s diet, i.e. low sodium, low fat, balanced nutrition
• Obtain a food handler’s permit within 7 days of employment
• At least 5 years’ experience in mass feeding operations (100 or more meals at a seating)
• Must be able to lift 10 to 50 pounds
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required
• Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License with a clean driving record
• Ability to pass The Salvation Army Driver’s Test Certification
• Ability to communicate effectively to clients and volunteers
• Ability to supervise volunteers helping with food preparation and serving
• Must be able to work independently and show initiative
• Required to pass a criminal background check

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Maricopa County health Department standards for food storage, food preparation, kitchen maintenance, kitchen cleanliness and use of all equipment in kitchen and dining room area.
• Develop weekly meal plan that has variety and selection that would be a balanced meal for senior citizens.
• Keep kitchen food pantry clean and neat, rotating stock on a regular basis.
• Guide any long‑term volunteers in securing their food handler cards.
• In keeping track of daily consumption of meals and the numbers of seniors coming for food, using portion control and correct meal preparation, keeping excess food to a minimum.
• Working with the corps officer securing needed food supplies through the local Restaurant Depot supply store. Sufficient meal and supply planning that would require trips to the store be limited to twice per month, unless emergencies occur.
• Be responsible for the security of food, equipment and inventory in the kitchen area. Locking the facility down at the end of your shift to minimize theft.
• Responsible for a welcoming atmosphere for the seniors as they arrive for their lunch. This would include seasonal decorations, special treats, proper signage, and room decorations.
• Responsible for the recording of all seniors as they arrive for the daily meal. Securing the meal donations for recording by the Corps Officer.
• Supervise any volunteers as they prepare food, interact with senior clients and properly clean as directed. Also responsible for any volunteer to sign in properly and to make sure they have the proper paperwork completed allowing them to be a volunteer.
• Coordinate any special events during the year. Special meal planning for a particular holiday, any special preparations, and appropriate advertisement and decorations.
• Maintain temperature logs for all reach‑ins and walk‑in units in both commercial kitchens.
• Responsibility for dinner for the children’s troop programs on Wednesday nights. Preparation of meals suitable for children and to serve the number of meals as directed by the program staff (should be around 40 meals per Wednesday night).
• Responsibility for Sunday meal after church service. A family meal prepared and served for anywhere between 40 and 60 people.
• Full responsibility for the cleanliness and upkeep of both commercial kitchens on Salvation Army Property. This would include but not be limited to:
  • Floors
  • Counters
  • Reach‑in refrigerators and freezers
  • Walk‑in refrigerator
  • Food carts
  • Serving table
  • Storage areas
  • Stoves
  • Ovens
  • Warming racks
• Plan (with Corps Officer) and execute any public fund‑raising meals as directed by the corps officer. This would include but not be limited to:
  • Christmas Kettle Kickoff Dinner
  • Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
  • Women’s Auxiliary Fashion Show
  • Other seasonal events
• Other duties as assigned to assist in the function of the organization concerning food preparation.

Physical Requirements

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and reach with hands and arms on a continuous basis. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must have the ability to operate telephone, a desktop or laptop computer, as well as the ability to access and produce information from a computer, and to understand written information.