Culinary Arts Training Manager

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT COMMONPOINT

At Commonpoint, community is at the heart of everything we do. With more than 90 program sites and flagship locations in Little Neck, Bayside, Forest Hills, East Elmhurst, and Jamaica, we proudly serve over 125,000 individuals each year. From early childhood to older adulthood, we support people from all walks of life on their journeys from crisis to stability and empowerment. Our wide range of programs, spanning social services, education, and recreation, reflects our mission to build a more connected, inclusive, and thriving community for all.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

To continue advancing our impact across the communities we serve, Commonpoint is hiring a Culinary Arts Training Manager on the Culinary Team . The Senior Director, Kitchen & Culinary Operations , plays a vital role in supporting the kitchen's head chefs on culinary programming, kosher kitchen operations, and catering production. Also, this role will collaborate with the workforce service team for workforce training initiatives that prepare participants for opportunities in the food service industry. 

The individual hired as Culinary Arts Training Manager will support both hands-on culinary instruction and daily kitchen operations across Commonpoint’s kosher kitchens in Elmhurst and Jamaica, Queens. This role will help train adults in food safety, culinary fundamentals, and job readiness while also supporting the preparation and execution of Glatt kosher catering services for Commonpoint programs. This role reports directly to the Senior Director, Kitchen & Culinary Operations.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES: Culinary Instruction and Workforce Training:

• Instruct adult participants in culinary fundamentals, kitchen safety, sanitation, food preparation, knife skills, food handling, and workplace readiness.
• Prepare students to obtain the NYC Food Protection Certificate and/or ServSafe certification, as applicable.
• Deliver lessons aligned with program objectives, participant skill levels, and employment readiness goals.
• Use a variety of teaching methods, including hands-on demonstrations, group instruction, coaching, practice labs, and performance feedback.
• Support participants by coordinating with the Job Coach in developing the technical and soft skills needed for entry-level employment in restaurants, catering, institutional kitchens, and other food service settings.
• Monitor participant attendance, progress, skill development, and readiness for employment.
• Collaborate with case management, employment, and program staff to support student success and address barriers to participation or completion.
• Provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for participants with diverse backgrounds and needs .
  

Training Manager and Catering Operations:

• Support the daily preparation and execution of a Glatt kosher catering menu for Commonpoint programs, events, and internal catering needs.
• Assist with menu preparation, production schedules, portioning, packaging, quality control, and timely delivery of food service.
• Ensure food is prepared according to kosher standards, food safety guidelines, and program expectations.
• Maintain consistency, quality, presentation, and efficiency in food production.
• Assist with inventory control, ordering, receiving, food storage, and management of food deliveries.
• Help reduce waste and support cost-effective kitchen operations.
• Ensure kitchens are maintained in a clean, safe, organized, and sanitary condition at all times.
• Follow all policies and procedures related to the NYC Department of Health, workplace safety, and kosher kitchen operations.

Performance & Organizational Excellence:

• Participate in the agency's performance management process by establishing annual goals, completing mid-year and end-of-year evaluations, and engaging in ongoing performance discussions with supervisors. 
• Complete documentation, data entry, and required reports accurately and on time in accordance with agency standards, funder requirements, and established deadlines, including updates to agency systems, dashboards, and tracking tools. 
• Complete required annual professional development activities to maintain and strengthen clinical knowledge, professional skills, and overall job performance.
• Use program and service data to improve performance by participating in data review and discussion during supervision, department meetings, reporting activities, and other quality improvement efforts, including surveys and feedback activities, as applicable. 

QUALIFICATIONS & KEY ATTRIBUTES: 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• A professional culinary degree or certificate is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in large-scale food preparation and delivery, kitchen management, and/or food services.
• Ability to use Google Suite and data management systems. 
• Experience managing food service workers, including cooks, chefs, and dishwashers.
• A professional culinary degree or certificate is preferred.
• Current valid food safety certifications such as NYC Food Handlers Certificate and ServSafe.
• Interest and comfort in working with low-income individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Previous experience in a Commonpoint role is a plus.
• Bilingual skills are highly desirable.
• Teaching experience is strongly preferred.

KEY ATTRIBUTES FOR COORDINATOR ROLE: 

• Organized and detail-oriented with strong multitasking abilities. 
• Excellent customer service and communication skills. 
• Proficiency with using google software. 
• Ability to work collaboratively in team settings.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: 

Commonpoint offers competitive base salaries benchmarked against comparable nonprofit organizations in the New York metropolitan area. Salaries are determined based on internal and external equity, as well as each position’s scope, qualifications, and organizational impact. We believe in compensating staff fairly and consistently, ensuring that all salary decisions align with our mission-driven commitment to equity and transparency.

To maintain fairness across the organization, salary offers are set according to established salary bands and are not subject to negotiation. New hires typically start near the beginning of the salary range to allow for growth based on performance, professional development, and tenure.

Our total rewards package reflects our dedication to employee well-being, growth, and recognition. Current benefits include: 

• Tiered health, dental, and vision insurance options. 
• Pension plan and 403(b) retirement savings opportunities. 
• Generous paid time off and family-supportive policies. 
• Professional development and education support to foster career growth. 
• Recognition and appreciation programs for exemplary performance. 
• Employee discounts on programs and services. 
• Access to free amenities, including private seasonal pool clubs and fitness facilities at select locations.
• Long-service severance upon retirement. 

Job Details:

Locations: 77-17 Queens Boulevard, Elmhurst, NY, 11373;
82-17 Parsons Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, 11432

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

Non-Union Position
In-Person Position

TO APPLY, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO James Gillen, View email address on us.fitly.work

Please note that applications submitted with a cover letter will be highly considered.

Commonpoint is an equal opportunity employer.