Kitchen Supervisor/Chef

Kroc Center; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Indianapolis is seeking a Kitchen Lead to oversee meal preparation and work-therapy training within our rehabilitation program.

You will supervise kitchen staff, mentor beneficiaries, plan menus, manage inventory, and ensure health standards while balancing budget constraints. This full-time role offers flexible scheduling and a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited food service program, with institutional kitchen experience preferred.
• Minimum of one year cooking in a large-scale setting.
• Food safety certification preferred to ensure health standards.
• Experience training or mentoring others is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervise kitchen staff and lead the cooking team.
• Mentor beneficiaries in work therapy activities and nutritional skills.
• Schedule kitchen operations to meet meal service demand.
• Plan nutritious menus within budget constraints and monitor costs.
• Order supplies and manage inventory to ensure smooth operations.
• Conduct bi-weekly inventory checks and maintain high food quality.

Skills

Leadership

Teaching abilities

Menu planning

Budget management

Inventory management

Problem-solving

Staff supervision

Education

Graduate of accredited food service program

Minimum one year institutional cooking experience

Food safety certification preferred

Experience training or mentoring others

Job description

Location: Indianapolis, IN
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: 40 hours per week, Flexible scheduling required Sunday - Saturday, days, evenings, weekends
Benefits:

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and hearing coverage
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance
• Employer-paid basic long-term disability coverage
• Optional voluntary life, short-term disability, and enhanced long-term disability coverage
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Flexible spending accounts
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Employer-funded pension plan for eligible employees

About the Role

At The Salvation Army Thrift Store, your work helps turn donations into funding for programs that support people in our community. This role combines culinary leadership with rehabilitation support, overseeing both kitchen operations and work therapy training. You'll manage meal preparation while mentoring program beneficiaries, creating a supportive environment that promotes both nutritional well-being and skill development.

What You’ll Do

• Supervise kitchen staff and assistant cook
• Train and mentor beneficiaries in work therapy program
• Schedule kitchen operations for optimal meal service
• Create supportive learning environment for skill development
• Work alongside beneficiary staff when needed
• Plan nutritious menus within budget constraints
• Order food supplies and manage inventory
• Conduct bi-weekly inventory of unused items
• Ensure timely meal preparation and service
• Maintain high standards of food quality

Program Support

• Coordinate with rehabilitation staff regarding beneficiary services
• Support work therapy skill development
• Monitor staffing needs and communicate with management
• Maintain clean and safe kitchen environment
• Support The Salvation Army's mission

Administrative Duties

• Manage kitchen schedules and workflows
• Monitor budget and food costs
• Maintain inventory records
• Ensure compliance with health regulations
• Coordinate with program leadership

Why Join Us

• Mission-driven work that supports programs in your community
• On-the-job training
• Team-oriented environment
• Employee Discount, Employee Assistance Program, and more!

Additional Information

What You Need

Required

Required Education & Experience

• Graduate of accredited food service program
• Minimum one year institutional cooking experience
• Food safety certification preferred
• Experience training or mentoring others

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and teaching abilities
• Menu planning and budget management
• Basic math skills for inventory and portions
• Problem-solving capabilities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Regular lifting of 10-25 pounds
• Manual dexterity for food preparation
• Close vision for detailed work
• Kitchen setting with moderate noise level
• Warm and humid conditions
• Fast-paced atmosphere
• Variable schedule as needed

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are returning to work, U.S. Veterans, people with disabilities, people impacted by the justice system, and people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.