Culinary Director- Camden Life Center

Job Summary: The Culinary Director leads all culinary operations within the Community Café/Youth Center, focusing on delivering nutritious, high-quality meals that support the Café's mission of recovery and holistic well-being. This role emphasizes food safety, nutritional education, and community engagement while managing meal planning, preparation, and kitchen operations. The Culinary Director collaborates closely with the Café Program Manager to create a welcoming environment where meals serve as a cornerstone of connection and healing.

Operational Management – 35% of job function

• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
• Manage opening and closing procedures, including food storage and sanitation.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and food hygiene regulations.
• Monitor inventory, order supplies, and manage stock to prevent shortages or waste.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and coordinate repairs or replacements as needed.

Menu Development and Nutrition – 15% of job function

• Create and plan menus that are nutritious and cost-effective.
• Prepare/oversee the preparation of meals for the Café, meetings, and events, maintaining high standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Incorporate seasonal, culturally relevant, and diverse ingredients to meet member preferences.
• Provide nutritional education to members, highlighting the link between diet and mental health.
• Adapt meals to accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests (e.g., allergies, vegetarian, gluten-free).

Team Leadership – 20% of job function

• Recruit, train, and manage kitchen staff and volunteers.
• Develop staff schedules to ensure seamless kitchen operations and event support.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and promote professional growth.
• Address team concerns and conflicts with professionalism and care.
• Lead regular team meetings to communicate goals, updates, and expectations.

Community Engagement and Customer Service – 10% of job function

• Foster a warm and welcoming dining environment that enhances the Community Café’s sense of community.
• Train staff in excellent customer service and hospitality practices.
• Actively seek and respond to member feedback to continuously improve meal services.
• Collaborate with the Café team to host community-focused events, such as cooking workshops or shared meals.

Financial Management – 10% of job function

• Manage the kitchen budget, ensuring cost control while maintaining quality meal preparation.
• Monitor expenditures, reduce waste, and track financial performance.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to secure cost-effective purchasing of ingredients and supplies.
• Evaluate and adjust menu pricing strategies for catered events or additional Café offerings.
• Mentor team members in financial management.

Marketing and Promotion – 10% of job function

• Work with Café Program Manager to promote culinary and nutritional initiatives on social media and in community outreach.
• Develop promotional campaigns, including special menu offerings or seasonal events, to attract participation.
• Build partnerships with local farms, food banks, and businesses to enhance the Café’s visibility and mission.

Miscellaneous Responsibilities

• Stay informed on culinary trends and innovations to keep Café services fresh and relevant.
• Foster a work culture that reflects the values of community and hospitality.
• Represent the Community Café/Youth Center at local events or professional gatherings to build relationships and enhance outreach efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge

• Food Safety: Familiarity with food safety regulations and compliance standards.
• Cultural Competency: Ability to adapt to diverse cultural and dietary needs.
• Community Engagement: Awareness of effective strategies for building partnerships and engaging with diverse community populations
• Marketing and Social Media: Proficiency in promoting programs through social media, email campaigns, and other outreach methods.
• Behavioral Health and Recovery Concepts: Familiarity with recovery-oriented practices and the behavioral health needs of individuals and families.

Skills

• Leadership and Team Management: Strong ability to motivate, guide, and manage staff and volunteers to achieve program objectives.
• Organizational Skills: Proven ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders and promote programs. Skilled in developing compelling materials for diverse audiences.
• Event Coordination: Detail-oriented approach to planning and executing successful events, ensuring all aspects run smoothly.
• Technology Proficiency: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, donor/volunteer management systems, and social media platforms.
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to and understanding of diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and community backgrounds.

Abilities

• Relationship Building: Capacity to foster and maintain positive relationships with staff, volunteers, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align programs and events with organizational goals and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Creative Visioning: Talent for generating new ideas to improve programs, increase community engagement, and achieve sustainability.
• Collaboration: Strong ability to work collaboratively across teams, including the Café Program Manager, Youth Director, and CLC leadership.

Qualifications

• Applied Clinical Nutrition degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years in culinary leadership, with experience in menu planning and managing dietary accommodations.
• Strong organizational, assessment, and communication skills.
• Ability to secure cooperation of and work effectively with individuals and agencies in the community.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.