Chef Manager

Job description:

Position Overview

The Production Chef Manager will oversee all aspects of high-volume meal manufacturing operations in the areas surrounding and in Brooklyn. This role must be a strong manager with attention to detail, one capable of directly managing cooks, warehouse workers and the sanitation team. The manager must ensure compliance with food safety and workplace safety standards, works and supports the production supervisor to optimize production efficiency, and maintains quality and cost targets. The position requires strong leadership, excellent time management , operational expertise, high energy, and the ability to lead culinary, production and warehousing teams to ensure seamless day to day operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all kitchen and production operations to meet daily targets of up to 20,000 meals as the business expands over the next two years.
• Enforce and maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety policies.
• Purchase supplies and work closely with warehouse and production to manage inventory, and ensure efficient use of materials, labor, and equipment.
• Work directly with administrative support and the Director to plan and monitor purchasing, production schedules, staffing levels, and workflow to meet budgetary and time requirements.
• Control labor and food costs through forecasting, recipe compliance, portion monitoring, and operational oversight.
• Address and resolve production or processing issues in a positive team-oriented manner.
• Train, evaluate, and when necessary, discipline staff in accordance with company standards.
• Manage and motivate hourly team members fostering a safe, efficient, and productive working kitchen.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, and personnel records.
• Oversee quality control processes, including raw material inspections and in-process product checks.
• Utilize and improve upon systems for production tracking and quality assurance.
• Participate in product development and process improvement initiatives
• Coordinate facility and equipment maintenance or recommend necessary upgrades/replacements.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with management, and team members, and clients where appropriate, both verbally and in writing.
• Author and codify SOP in partnership with management and conduct regular spot checks to ensure SOP compliance and safety adherence.
• Manage special projects as assigned.

Note: Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is required .

Required Knowledge & Skills

Operational Expertise

• Strong understanding of food production processes, quality control, and cost management in a high-volume fast paced environment and ability to lead a team while being a hands-on working chef
• Large batch food production, execution, packaging, transport and experience
• Mastery of safety regulations, HACCP, and SERV Safe requirements.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Ability to track and analyze operational data to identify and resolve production issues.
• Proficiency in production planning, inventory control, and resource management.
• Familiarity with kitchen equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong communication and team management abilities.
• Skilled in training, motivating, and evaluating staff performance.
• Ability to manage conflict and encourage collaboration.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent of 8+ years of hands-on kitchen management experience with demonstratable reading comprehension, writing, mathematical, and computer skills.
• NYS Food Safety Manager certification required

Physical Requirements

• Ability to consistently lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and kneeling.
• Comfortable working long shifts (up to 12 hours/day, 60+ hours/week) in a physically demanding environment.
• Ability to focus and execute planning and production administrative tasks during a physically demanding day
• Ability to navigate stairs while carrying heavy items.
• Exposure to hazards including burns, cuts, scrapes, and prolonged hand contact with water.

Equal Opportunity Employer | Drug-Free Workplace | ADA Compliant

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Paid time off