Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Join our team and be part of meaningful work that makes a real difference in our community.

Benefits and Perks:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(K) Retirement Plan

Make an Impact Through Food

Do you believe access to nutritious food is a basic human right? Are you looking for an opportunity to use your culinary expertise to make a meaningful impact in your community?

We are seeking an experienced and mission-driven Executive Chef to lead our Zucker Family Production Kitchen and Community Meals programs. This is an opportunity to combine culinary leadership with community impact, overseeing the preparation of nutritious meals while leading staff and volunteers who are committed to serving our neighbors.

The Executive Chef provides leadership and oversight of all kitchen operations and administration, working in partnership with our Production Kitchen Associate and a dedicated team of volunteers. This position is also an essential member of the Community Programs leadership team and collaborates across the organization to ensure our Community Meals programs operate safely, efficiently, and successfully.

What You'll Do

Lead Kitchen Operations

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Zucker Family Production Kitchen.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, meal production, workflow, sanitation, and food safety.
• Develop menus and coordinate high-volume meal preparation based on program needs and available resources.
• Manage food purchasing, inventory, storage, and utilization while minimizing waste.
• Ensure kitchen equipment, workspaces, and food preparation areas are maintained safely and appropriately.

Manage Community Meals Programs

• Oversee the successful production and execution of Community Meals programs.
• Manage the Community Meals budget and make responsible purchasing and operational decisions.
• Maintain accurate daily program records, production data, and required reporting.
• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety standards, inspection requirements, and organizational procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Community Meals program partners.

Lead People & Volunteers

• Provide day-to-day leadership and support to the Production Kitchen Associate.
• Coordinate and work alongside volunteers with varying levels of culinary experience.
• Create a welcoming, organized, and respectful environment where volunteers understand their role and feel appreciated for their contributions.
• Communicate expectations clearly while promoting teamwork, accountability, and collaboration.

Collaborate & Represent the Organization

• Serve as an active member of the Community Programs leadership team.
• Partner with departments across the food bank to support successful program implementation and organizational priorities.
• Represent the Production Kitchen and Community Meals programs professionally with community partners, vendors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Support and promote the organization's annual Chef's Feast fundraising event.
• Assist with special events and other organizational initiatives as needed.

What We're Looking For

• Degree in Culinary Arts, Food-Service Operations, Culinary Education, or a related field . Additional relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of four years of professional kitchen experience , including supervisory or management experience with responsibility for kitchen operations.
• Demonstrated experience with food-service supervision, menu development, and high-volume food preparation.
• Experience leading, coordinating, or working closely with volunteers strongly preferred.
• Current ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of food safety practices, inspection requirements, culinary terminology, and commercial food-service equipment.
• Knowledge of budgeting, purchasing, inventory management, and basic business management principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated sense of urgency, initiative, accountability, and follow-through.
• Strong customer-service mindset and willingness to support others.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with employees, volunteers, interns, community partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook.