Shelter Kitchen & Food Service Manager

Quality Placement Authority; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Food Service Manager at Quality Placement Authority oversees daily kitchen operations in a shelter, coordinating meal planning, preparation, and service to ensure nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate meals for residents. You will supervise cooks and support staff, manage inventory, and monitor costs while upholding high food safety standards.

This onsite leadership role collaborates with shelter leadership and program staff to meet residents’ dietary needs with dignity and respect.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Food Service Management, Nutrition, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Three to five years of food service experience, including supervisory/management experience preferred.
• Experience in shelter, nonprofit, or high-volume food service setting strongly preferred.
• Experience with menu planning, purchasing, inventory control, staff scheduling, and food cost management required.
• Current Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification or equivalent certification required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, meal preparation, and service.
• Plan nutritious, culturally responsive menus considering dietary restrictions and resident needs.
• Maintain meal schedules, portion sizes, and food quality.
• Ensure staffing coverage and uninterrupted service including weekends/holidays.
• Develop contingency plans for staffing shortages and equipment failures.
• Supervise, train, and support cooks and staff; manage performance.
• Ensure compliance with health department regulations and food safety policies.
• Maintain food storage, labeling, dating, rotation, preparation, cooking, cooling, and disposal procedures.
• Monitor temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and inspection records.
• Manage inventory, purchasing, and budgeting; monitor costs and waste.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance with facilities.
• Foster trauma-informed, respectful dining environment for residents.

Skills

Staff supervision

Menu planning

Food cost management

Food safety

Trauma-informed care

Vendor coordination

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts or related field

Job description

The Food Service Manager at Quality Placement Authority oversees daily kitchen operations in a shelter, coordinating meal planning, preparation, and service to ensure nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate meals for residents. You will supervise cooks and support staff, manage inventory, and monitor costs while upholding high food safety standards.

This onsite leadership role collaborates with shelter leadership and program staff to meet residents’ dietary needs with dignity and respect.