Kitchen Manager

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended‑day, extended‑year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports‑based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social‑emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five‑year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org. DREAM is seeking a dynamic and results‑driven individual to serve as Kitchen Manager for DREAM’s culinary program. The Kitchen Manager will work closely with the Program Chef and DREAM’s Chief Operating Officer to execute DREAM’s vision of a best‑in‑class food and nutrition program. Reporting to the Director of Special Projects, the Kitchen Manager will be accountable for day‑to‑day operations of the kitchen staff, administrative and compliance functions, daily production, service, and meal tracking for students and staff, and training the kitchen team on basic cooking techniques, recipes, measurements, food safety, and organization. Candidates must also understand and value DREAM’s comprehensive approach to youth development and inspire, lead, and motivate staff to drive outcomes that support youth in recognizing their potential and realizing their dreams. The Kitchen Manager should demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of DREAM and possess substantial expertise in all areas of responsibility. Responsibilities Compliance Support the Program Chef in overseeing DREAM’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP)‑compliant food service program. Help create and implement operating standards, protocols, and SOPs that promote the highest level of food quality, safety, and consistency. Create, monitor, and maintain daily production and service of meals for students and staff. Ensure food safety, cleanliness, and organization standards are maintained to the highest level at all times. Create menus and develop NSLP‑compliant recipes that students enjoy. Maintain required records, including NSLP meal tracking, food production, purchasing, inventory, and HACCP documentation. Adhere to USDA and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines and regulations. Procurement Place orders for food and supplies and ensure all deliveries are promptly received and stored. Execute physical inventory of food and supplies. Leadership and Management Manage and oversee kitchen staff to meet standards for food quality, safety, compliance, presentation, personnel well‑being, and facility upkeep. Conduct annual performance reviews and provide feedback and coaching. Create and distribute kitchen schedules. Coordinate food service with schools regarding schedules, enrollment numbers, and dietary restrictions. Monitor student feedback and preferences and communicate these to the Program Chef. Interface with students, employees, and leadership from diverse backgrounds, establishing and maintaining strong relationships. Communicate regularly with Directors of Operations to gather information about schedule changes or special events affecting operations. Event Management Oversee, manage, and execute meal service for special events including fundraisers and community events. Operations Create and implement systems and processes for school food service. Support and perform additional tasks as necessary, including dishwashing, cleaning, and organizing kitchen and storage areas. Qualifications At least 5 years of professional cooking experience. At least 3 years of kitchen supervisory experience as a sous chef or kitchen manager. Valid NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate, or the ability to obtain it before starting. Familiarity with USDA NSLP and CACFP standards, or the ability to learn and adhere to these standards. Bilingual Spanish speaking (preferred). Strong understanding of food safety practices. Strong cooking ability, with proficiency in basic techniques and basic math for preparation quantities. Strong leadership and teaching skills, with the ability to direct teams and work well under pressure. Strong critical thinking and planning skills, with the ability to collaborate on a vision of excellence. Strong belief in DREAM’s mission and values, including the belief that all students can succeed and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of students, families, and the community. Strong commitment to customer service and understanding of the importance of administrative functions. Desire and ability to receive and implement feedback. Outstanding dependability, punctuality, and preparedness. Collaborative team player. “Whatever it takes” attitude and willingness to change priorities promptly. Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft and Google programs and Zoom. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Physical Requirements Ability to lift, carry, and push supplies and boxes up to 50 pounds. Ability to stand for long periods, bend, kneel, and reach to store/retrieve supplies. Occasional exposure to inclement weather. Working Expectations Primary work site in either East Harlem or the South Bronx. Ideal start date: July 1, 2026. Benefits and Paid Time Off We offer comprehensive benefits including: Flexible medical health plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner, and children. Choice among a variety of medical plans to best suit the employee’s needs. Dental and vision plans. Disability benefits. Life insurance. Up to 12 weeks fully paid parental leave. Flexible spending account options. Pre‑tax commuter benefits (parking and transit). Fitness and entertainment discounts. Support through the employee assistance program (EAP). 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment. Referral bonuses. School‑based 12‑month employees have approximately 48 days off throughout the school year, including holidays, school breaks, personal days, and wellness days. Benefits are subject to change. Compensation DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance‑based increase. The incoming salary range for this position is $70,000 to $75,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications and internal equity. All staff are eligible for annual performance‑based increases. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. EEO and Disability Accommodation DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter. #J-18808-Ljbffr