Kitchen Manger

The Goddard School of Chicago – West Loop; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; 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 warm, child-focused environment. You will plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals daily, while ensuring safety and compliance in a busy school setting.

Ideal candidates have prior kitchen management experience, certifications in food safety, and a passion for child wellness. Shift options run from early morning to early afternoon, with a background check required.

Qualifications

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

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.

Skills

Kitchen management

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

Menu planning

Time management

Education

Food Handler's Certificate or ServSafe Certification

Job description

Benefits:

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

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!

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.