Full Time: Cook/Kitchen Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About United Community Corporation (UCC):

United Community Corporation (UCC) is a nonprofit organization serving the Newark community since 1964. Through a wide range of programs including emergency food assistance, homeless services, workforce development, youth programs, housing initiatives, and community engagement efforts, UCC helps individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency.

UCC operates emergency food and nutrition programs that provide meals to residents experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and economic hardship. Our feeding programs support multiple homeless shelters, community meal programs, and workforce training initiatives throughout the City of Newark.

Position Summary:

United Community Corporation is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Kitchen Manager / Head Cook to oversee all food service operations for UCC's community feeding programs. This position is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals for approximately 300 individuals daily , including residents of UCC homeless shelters, participants in workforce development programs, and members of the Newark community.

The Kitchen Manager / Head Cook will supervise kitchen staff, manage food inventory, ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations, coordinate meal distribution, and maintain high standards of food quality and customer service. The ideal candidate will possess strong culinary skills, leadership experience, and a passion for serving vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities:

Food Preparation and Meal Service:

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of nutritious lunch, and dinner meals for approximately 300 individuals daily.
• Develop weekly and monthly menus that maximize available inventory while meeting nutritional requirements.
• Prepare meals that are culturally responsive, appealing, and appropriate for a diverse population.
• Ensure all meals are prepared, packaged, and served in accordance with food safety standards.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special meal requirements when necessary.
• Maintain consistency in portion sizes, food quality, and meal presentation.
• Occasionally the kitchen manager, will be required to provide hot meals to be distributed via our UCC Mobile Cafe, a food truck that serves free meals in the community.

Kitchen Operations Management:

• Direct the daily operations of UCC's community kitchen and feeding programs.
• Ensure efficient meal production schedules and timely meal service.
• Establish and maintain kitchen procedures that promote safety, efficiency, and accountability.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and arrange maintenance or repairs as needed.
• Coordinate food deliveries, meal distribution, and transportation logistics.

Inventory and Food Resource Management:

• Manage food inventory and conduct regular stock assessments.
• Utilize inventory management systems to track food usage, donations, purchases, and waste.
• Create menus based on available inventory and donated food resources.
• Monitor storage conditions and ensure proper food rotation using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
• Reduce food waste through effective planning and inventory control.
• Assist with purchasing food, supplies, and kitchen equipment within approved budgets.
• Coordinate with food banks, vendors, and community partners regarding food deliveries and donations.

Staff Supervision:

• Supervise cooks, kitchen assistants, volunteers, trainees, and other food service personnel.
• Provide coaching, training, and performance guidance to kitchen staff.
• Delegate tasks and ensure compliance with operational standards.
• Foster a professional, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
• Assist in recruiting, training, and onboarding food service staff and volunteers.

Compliance and Food Safety:

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
• Maintain compliance with Newark Department of Health and New Jersey Department of Health requirements.
• Prepare for and participate in health inspections and program audits.
• Ensure kitchen sanitation standards are consistently maintained.
• Enforce proper food handling, storage, sanitation, and cleaning procedures.
• Maintain required certifications and training records.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Complete electronic data entry related to meal service operations.
• Accurately track and report meal counts, inventory usage, food purchases, and food donations.
• Prepare reports required by funders, government agencies, and organizational leadership.
• Assist with program monitoring, grant compliance documentation, and audits.

Community Engagement:

• Work collaboratively with shelter staff, program managers, case managers, and leadership teams.
• Support workforce development and culinary training opportunities when applicable.
• Represent UCC professionally when interacting with community partners, vendors, donors, and government agencies.
• Promote UCC's mission of service, dignity, and community empowerment.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Transport food, supplies, and equipment to UCC locations and community events as needed.
• Travel throughout New Jersey for food pickups, training, vendor meetings, or program-related activities.
• Participate in emergency food response efforts during community crises or severe weather events.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Culinary Arts degree or related certification preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional cooking experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or kitchen management experience preferred.
• Experience in institutional food service, community feeding programs, shelters, schools, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations strongly preferred.

Required Certifications:

• Current NATIONAL FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATION EXAM (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification preferred.
• Valid New Jersey Driver's License.
• Clean driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of commercial kitchen operations.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP standards, and sanitation requirements.
• Experience with inventory management and menu planning.
• Ability to prepare large-volume meals efficiently.
• Strong leadership and staff supervision skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic inventory/data collection systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in refrigerated, freezer, and high-temperature kitchen environments.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and walking.
• Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment.

Compensation and Benefits:

UCC offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Retirement plan participation.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to View email address on ziprecruiter.com with the subject line:

Kitchen Manager / Head Cook Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

United Community Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. UCC is committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Together, we are building stronger communities, one meal and one family at a time.