Kitchen Manager

Job Description

Job Description

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 DREAM’s Director of Special Projects, the Kitchen Manager will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of DREAM’s kitchen staff, will be responsible for overseeing all administrative and compliance functions, will oversee the kitchen team in daily production, service, and tracking of meals to DREAM students and staff, and support the Program Chef in 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 DREAM staff to drive outcomes that support youth in recognizing their potential and realizing their dreams. Like all DREAM employees, the Kitchen Manager should demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of DREAM and should have substantial expertise in all areas of responsibility.

Compliance:

• Support the program chef in overseeing DREAM’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP)-compliant food service program;
• Support the program chef in the creating and implementing of operating standards, protocols, and SOPs that promote the highest level of food quality, food safety and consistency;
• Create, monitor, and maintain daily production and service of meals for DREAM students and staff;
• Ensuring food safety, cleanliness and organization standards are maintained to the highest level at all times;
• Create menus and developing NSLP-compliant recipes that students enjoy;
• Maintaining required records, including those related to NSLP meal tracking, food production, purchasing, and inventory, as well as all HACCP documentation, including food safety and temperature logs;
• Adhering to all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines and regulations.

Procurement:

• Place orders for food and supplies and ensuring all deliveries are promptly received and stored;
• Execute physical inventory of food and supplies.

Leadership and Management:

• Manage and oversee kitchen staff to ensure that all standards are met in regards to food quality, food safety, meal compliance, meal presentation, personnel safety and well being, and facility and equipment upkeep;
• Conduct annual performance reviews and provide feedback and coaching;
• Create and distribute kitchen schedules;
• Coordinate food service with schools including, but not limited to, schedules, enrollment number, and dietary restrictions;
• Monitoring feedback and preferences from students and communicating these to the Brigaid Program Chef;
• Interfacing with DREAM students, employees, and leadership from a wide variety of  backgrounds, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with families, students, and school staff and leaders;
• Communicating regularly with DREAM Directors of Operation (DOOs) to gather information about schedule changes or special events that will affect kitchen operations.

Event Management:

• Oversee, manage, and execute meal service for special events including but not limited to fundraiser, community events, etc.

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.

• At least 5 years of professional cooking experience, required;
• At least least 3 years of kitchen supervisory experience as a sous chef or kitchen manager, required;
• Valid NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate, or the ability to take the self-paced course and pass the exam prior to starting;
• Familiar with USDA NSLP and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards and regulations, or the ability to learn and adhere to these standards;
• Bilingual Spanish speaking, preferred;
• Strong understanding of good food safety practices;
• Strong cooking ability, with understanding of all basic cooking techniques and the ability to follow recipes and use basic math to determine preparation quantities;
• Strong leadership and teaching skills, with the ability to direct food service teams as well as work well under pressure;
• Strong critical thinking and planning skills, with the ability to collaborate on setting and implementing a vision of excellence;
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of DREAM students, families, and the community, and an embodiment of DREAM’s organizational values of teamwork, diversity, integrity and fun;
• Strong commitment to customer service and understanding of the importance of administrative functions to the organization's mission;
• The desire and ability to receive and implement feedback;
• Outstanding dependability, with a commitment to being on-time and prepared;
• Collaborative team-player;
• “Whatever it takes” attitude and a willingness to change priorities at a moment’s notice;
• Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft and Google programs and Zoom;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences, including colleagues, students and families.

• Ability to lift, carry, and push supplies and boxes up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, bend, kneel, and reach to store/retrieve supplies. 
• Occasional environment exposures to inclement weather.

• Primary work site: 1162 River Ave. South Bronx
• Ideal Start Date: July 1, 2026

We offer comprehensive benefits including:

• Flexible Medical Health Plans,  subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children
• The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs
• Dental and vision plans
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance
• Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave 
• Flexible spending account options
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit)
• Fitness and entertainment discounts
• A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP)
• A 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.

• 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. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us .

DREAM Maxims  

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

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.

If you are a current DREAM employee, please click here to review our Internal Selection Process before applying.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.