Kitchen Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Organization

The Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA) is a Christian non-profit organization that has been serving the less fortunate in Southern California through emergency and long-term rehabilitation services since 1972. RMA partners with local churches to meet the spiritual needs of the people we serve.

Summary

The Kitchen Manager oversees all kitchen operations, food services, and culinary training activities for Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County. This role manages a high-volume kitchen that produces approximately 20,000 meals per month, including meals for residential program participants, outreach meals for community guests, sack lunches, and groceries distributed through outreach and community partners.

In addition to managing kitchen operations, this position leads the Mission’s hands-on Culinary Vocational Training Program. Program participants receive practical kitchen training while helping prepare and serve meals. The Kitchen Manager teaches professional food service skills, models strong work ethic, and mentors participants within a Christian recovery environment.

This is a regular, exempt position reporting to the Director and located in Oxnard, CA. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Culinary Arts Program Leadership

• Oversee and lead the Mission’s Culinary Arts training program for Life Recovery Program participants.
• Teach progressive food preparation, cooking techniques, and food service skills.
• Instruct participants in menu planning, food ordering, and kitchen budgeting.
• Prepare men for employment in the food service industry by developing practical job skills and work habits.
• Assist participants in obtaining California Food Handler Cards when appropriate.
• Develop kitchen work schedules for program participants.
• Provide spiritual encouragement and mentorship within a Christian recovery environment.

Kitchen & Food Service Operations

• Plan and prepare weekly menus for residents, shelter guests, and special events.
• Oversee meal preparation and service for in-house residents, outreach meal guests, and special events.
• Ensure meals are prepared efficiently, safely, and in accordance with health regulations.
• Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, organization, and safety.

Food Purchasing & Donation Coordination

• Order food and related supplies while maintaining responsible cost control.
• Develop and maintain relationships with food retailers, wholesalers, and community partners to increase food donations.
• Coordinate with food banks and other food donors to arrange and receive donations.
• Creatively utilize donated food items to maximize resources and reduce food costs.

Volunteer & Team Collaboration

• Work with volunteers assisting in kitchen and food service activities.
• Coordinate with staff members to support Mission events and program needs.
• Collaborate with the Workforce Development Coordinator to develop curriculum and help program participants in job employment preparedness.
• Attend regular staff meetings and participate in organizational initiatives.

Qualifications

• Strong and active Christian faith aligned with RMA’s Statement of Faith.
• Min. 5 years’ experience in culinary arts, food service management, or commercial kitchen operations.
• Experience teaching or mentoring others in a hands-on environment preferred.
• Ability to train and lead individuals from diverse backgrounds in a recovery setting.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to maintain food budgets and manage inventory effectively.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight to vocational trainees, volunteers, and kitchen helpers during daily meal preparation and special events.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and ability to be insured under Rescue Mission Alliance vehicle policy.
• Manager Serve Safe Certificate – 5 year (current)
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to attend required safety and driver training.

Skills

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to manage high-volume kitchen operations.
• Ability to creatively utilize food donations and manage food costs.
• Strong organizational and scheduling ability.

Software

PC knowledge including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook

• Physical Demands
• Ability to work extended periods in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods during meal preparation and service.

Equipment

Commercial kitchen equipment including dishwasher, ovens, tilt pans, fryer, steam table, mixer, bone saw, food preparation tools, and basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, and printers.

Work Environment

This position primarily functions within a commercial kitchen environment serving program participants and community guests. As part of normal duties, this position will interact with an at-risk population where errant behavior and risk of infectious disease may be present. Appropriate safety precautions must be followed.

This role involves periodic travel to other Rescue Mission Alliance sites for training, pick up supplies, and provide support as needed.