Head Chef/Culinary Instructor

When applying, please include a COVER LETTER explaining how your previous experience aligns with this position!

OUR CORE PURPOSE:

As an expression of God’s love in Southwest Florida, we are growing to ensure that no one experiencing hunger, homelessness or addiction is alone or without a pathway for their journey from crisis to contributor. Together with our partners and participants, we cultivate communities where people are progressively seen, accepted, challenged, and supported.

GENERAL SUMMARY
Responsible for all food production including that used for Missions, Outreach, Catering functions, Contract Meal Services and other outlets. Develop menus, food purchase specifications and recipes. Supervise staff and volunteers. This position is also the Lead Culinary Instructor for culinary training to the Justin’s Place residents. Responsible for providing both classroom and on the job training instruction, preparing students to be successful in a food service work environment. Develop and monitor food and labor budget for the department. Maintain highest professional food quality and sanitation standards.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans menus for all food outlets.
• Schedules and coordinates the work of chefs, cooks, volunteers and other kitchen employees to assure that food preparation is economical and technically correct and within budgeted labor cost goals.
• Approves the requisition of products and other necessary food supplies.
• Ensures that high standards of sanitation, cleanliness and safety are maintained throughout all kitchen areas at all times.
• Establishes controls to minimize food and supply waste and theft.
• Safeguards all food preparation employees and volunteers by implementing training to increase their knowledge about safety, sanitation and accident prevention principles.
• Develops standard recipes and techniques for food preparation and presentation which help to assure consistently high quality and to minimize food costs; exercises portion control for all items served and assists in establishing menu selling prices.
• Prepares necessary data for applicable parts of the budget; projects annual food, labor and other costs and monitors actual financial results; takes corrective action as necessary to help assure that financial goals are met.
• Interview, select, train, supervise, counsel and discipline all employees in the department.
• Provide, develop, train, and maintain a professional work force.
• Ensure all services to clients, both internal and external, are conducted in a highly professional and efficient manner.
• Attends management meetings, as needed.
• Cooks or directly supervises the cooking of items that require skillful preparation.
• Ensures proper staffing for maximum productivity and high standards of quality; controls food and payroll costs to achieve maximum profitability.
• Evaluates food products to assure that quality standards are consistently attained.
• Interacts with mission leadership to assure that food production consistently exceeds the expectations of clients and guests.
• Evaluates products to assure that quality, price and related goods are consistently met.
• Develops policies and procedures to enhance and measure quality; continually updates written policies and procedures to reflect state-of-the-art techniques, equipment and terminology.
• Establishes and maintains a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule for all kitchen areas and equipment.
• Works interpersonally with Justin’s Place Recovery Program clients in the Catalyst Kitchen Job training program to provide and ensure that excellent training is being implemented and reinforced.
• Effectively deliver designed curriculum to prepare students to meet training competencies
• Teaches and supervises food philosophy and technique classes in a classroom setting for the Catalyst Kitchen residents.
• Responsible for student-resident tracking, assessment and feedback.
• Support safe work habits and a safe working environment at all times.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interview, select, train, supervise, counsel and discipline all employees in the department.
• Provide, develop, train, and maintain a professional work force.
• Ensure all services to clients, both internal and external, are conducted in a highly professional and efficient manner.
• Ensure a safe working environment and attitude on the part of all employees in areas of responsibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in culinary arts from an industry recognized culinary institution preferred.
• 5 or more years of progressive, senior management level culinary management experience.
• Must possess Certified Food Manager in accordance with the Florida Department of Health
• Extensive knowledge of food terminology and preparation.
• Extensive knowledge of kitchen mechanics and conduct.
• Should have a passion for training, teaching, developing and mentoring others about the culinary industry.
• The employee is required to handle, feel and/or reach with hands, arms, squatting, bending, and constantly moving on a regular basis. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25-50lbs.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends and holidays as business needs dictate.
• Ability to interact positively with supervisor, management, coworkers, clients, and the public to promote a team effort and maintain a positive and professional approach.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• culinary management: 4 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Food Handler Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $65,000