DREAM Site Chef

Site Chef

We're hiring a Site Chef to support our work with DREAM Charter Schools (DREAM)!

Since 2016, we've been redefining what it means to be a successful chef by partnering with institutional foodservice programs across the US. Our team brings the systems and solutions to help kitchens consistently and confidently prepare high-quality meals. Demand for our services is growing faster than ever. In the past 5 years alone, we've expanded from a team of 5 chefs to a coast-to-coast network of 70 and counting.

About Our Partnership With DREAM:

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. The DREAM Charter Schools network consists of three school sites, serving Pre-K-12 students. It includes afterschool and summer programs.

In 2023, we helped DREAM launch its own in-house foodservice program, which is now operational across all three school sites. It serves breakfast, lunch, and supper to 2,500 students almost 365 days of the year and provides curated food programs for DREAM alumni, families, and community members. We're now entering the next phase of our partnership, in which we will serve as the foodservice management company.

As Site Chef you'll oversee the day-to-day kitchen operations at one of DREAM'S school sites and report to the DREAM Program Chef. Although DREAM will have ultimate authority over the program's strategic direction, you'll be a key player in furthering the organization's goal of being a best-in-class food and nutrition program.

What the Position Entails:

Your work will depend on the needs of the program. You may be asked to fulfill any of the following responsibilities.

Operations

• Lead the daily production and service of National School Lunch Program (NSLP)- and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)-compliant meals for DREAM students and staff and oversee the day-to-day operations at one of DREAM's school sites.
• Ensure food safety, cleanliness and organization standards are maintained to the highest level at all times.
• Assist the DREAM Program Chef with the production and/or implementation of new systems/protocols (such as kitchen organization, serving line setup, food storage, and HACCP programs).
• Place orders for food and supplies and ensure all deliveries are promptly received and stored.
• Create weekly kitchen staff schedules.
• Oversee kitchen staff to ensure that all standards are met in regard to food quality, food safety, meal compliance, meal presentation, personnel safety and well being, and facility and equipment upkeep.
• Review and approve kitchen staff timesheets.
• Scale and print weekly recipes.
• Maintain 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.
• Post monthly menus.
• Execute monthly physical inventory of food and supplies.
• Address staff concerns and handle documentation and disciplinary action, in collaboration with the DREAM Human Resources team.

Recipes/Menus

• Monitor feedback and preferences from students and communicate these to the DREAM Program Chef.
• Collaborate with the DREAM Program Chef to develop recipes and menus in compliance with the NSLP.
• Plan and execute student tastings for new menu items. Gather staff and student feedback and incorporate it into menu planning as appropriate.

Training

• Onboard site staff.
• Conduct regular staff training with site staff on basic culinary, safety, and operational best practices in accordance with Brigaid standards.

Other

• Participate in occasional district- or community-wide events, such as career fairs, back-to-school nights, and community meals. Plan and execute food production for events, as requested.
• Participate in meetings with DREAM stakeholders.
• Interface with DREAM students, employees, and leadership from a wide variety of backgrounds. Establish and maintain strong relationships with families, students, and school staff and leaders.
• Communicate regularly with DREAM teachers, administrators and Directors of Operation (DOOs) to gather information about schedule changes or special events that will affect kitchen operations.
• Adhere to all Brigaid and DREAM protocols and standards as outlined in our respective employee handbooks.
• Adhere to all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health guidelines and regulations.
• Assist with any other job-related tasks, including, but not limited to, receiving and storing food and supplies, setting up and breaking down kitchens, preparing, packing and serving food, cleaning kitchens, and doing dishes.

How You'll Be Successful:

• Model the highest standards for food quality and safety, organization, and professionalism.
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for institutional foodservice.
• Remain open to different visions of "good food."
• Exhibit expert knowledge of foundational cooking techniques as well as an ability to train people of various experience levels on them.
• Exhibit strong leadership skills, with the ability to direct foodservice teams as well as work well under pressure.
• Possess strong critical thinking and planning skills, with the ability to collaborate on setting and implementing a vision of excellence.
• Display a strong understanding of (or an ability to learn) NSLP and CACFP standards and regulations.
• Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences, including colleagues, students, and families.
• Demonstrate basic computer literacy, including Microsoft and Google programs and Zoom.
• Be flexible in accommodating changes in schedule.
• Demonstrate a desire and ability to receive and implement feedback.
• Commit to working with diverse populations of families and students.
• Possess 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.

Professional Requirements:

• At least 5 years of professional cooking experience (with at least two years of kitchen supervisory experience as a sous chef or kitchen manager preferred)
• Valid NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate, or the ability to take the self-paced course and pass the exam prior to starting
• ServSafe Manager certified or the ability to take a Brigaid-sponsored 8-hour ServSafe Manager course and pass the exam during your initial training period

• Successful completion of two to three background checks prior to your start date

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel across sites in an efficient manner
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds
• Ability to walk around and stand for long periods of time

Why Us:

Our goal is for every team member to feel empowered and excited by their work. We cheer each other on, celebrate big and small wins, and foster professional growth through a comprehensive leadership training series.

• We're proud to offer:
• 100% company-paid employee health insurance through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a gold-level plan and the option to buy up to a platinum-level plan
• 100% company-paid dental and vision insurance for you and your family through Guardian
• 100% company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance for employees through Guardian
• An optional Dependent Care FSA (employee-funded)
• Vacation PTO: 8 days (64 hours) in the initial benefit tier
• Federal Holidays: 11 paid holidays
• Sick Time: 6 days (48 hours)
• Paid School Closure Days: Approximately 21 designated paid school-closure days, based on DREAM's annual operating calendar
• A 401(k) with a 4% company match and immediate vesting

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume. We'll contact qualified candidates to participate in a first-round, 30-minute Zoom interview. After that, selected candidates will be invited