Kitchen Manager/Chef For Preschool

Job Description
The Elsie Academy Kitchen Manager will complete a variety of creative, organizational and leadership task. Under the direction of the Executive Director the Kitchen Manager will deliver high -quality services to provide children with the best nutritional experience. The Kitchen Manager will be responsible for providing meals to students from the ages of 12 Months -6 years of age. The Kitchen Manager will create, plan, and execute cooking classes, manage, and create The Elsie Academy Garden, cater all company functions i.E. community events, teacher appreciation day, parent week and any other food related activities deemed necessary by The Elsie Academy Executive Director.
Inventory Controls and Regulatory Compliance
· Ensures that all food items and products are stored, prepared, and served based on The Elsie Academy recipe guidelines, preparation, and portion standards.
· Creates detailed recipes and ingredient list for food compliance and consistent cooking practices.
· Orders kitchen materials and ingredients based on the menu and seasonal demand. Ensures that the kitchen has all food items for the month and accounts for items for weekly ordering.
· Manages inventory controls, through using tools such as sheet to shelf, ordering protocols, menu management and product safety checks through recall management.
· Maintains adequate inventory levels by conducting end of month inventory based on the budget and par level requirements.
· Ensure the kitchen are meeting DCF regulations and meet the required Elsie Standards. Utilize safety culture audit tools I-Pad for weekly and monthly inspections.
· Follow all My Plate and FDA requirements for food safety. To include completing all logs daily as directed by management and retaining for proper record keeping. To include food intake logs, temperature logs, sanitation records etc.
· Comply with food waste methods, including food feedback surveys from staff, food waste logs and special programs such ugly produce to save on cost measures.
· Pass all health inspections and Department of Family Service required food program regulations.
Sanitation and Organization
· Maintain a sanitized work environment. Ensures that chemicals are labeled according to the Manage Safety Data Sheets (MSD) requirements.
· Cabinets and or appliance spaces are in order, labeled and organized.
· Appropriate stickers are maintained and used based on proper food protocols.
· Manages to ensure that kitchen is in good repair i.E. pots, pans and all tools for cooking and preparation
· Maintain clean aprons and towels for cleaning the kitchen properly.
General Food and Training Responsibilities
· Prepare water source for outdoor and in classroom distribute to each class each morning.
· Prepare soap and water, bleach, and water and distribute to each class, each morning.
· Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and pm snack for all students. Follow recipes compliance and student portion control.
· Completes all menus with a two-week rotation in food selection and offerings. Utilize Canva or other tech tools to update and provide to Executive Director for approval.
· Maintain the kitchen budget based on the directive of the Executive Director.
· Oversee the training of employees to ensure the safe operation of kitchen equipment and utensils and the proper handling of heavy items and hazardous materials.
· Follow all food and allergy requirements set forth by parents and ensure allergy list is updated. Complete a separate menu for kids with food allergies and documents as an alternative.
· Prepare all meals for catered events. Set-up and break down all events for team meetings, parent appreciation day, community meals and the other related food events.
· Work two community events per year off site, to help promote The Elsie Academy.
· Must be able to prepare catering for The Elsie Academy open house events or fundraising foundation events.
· Maintains a high level of professionalism and leadership
Student Education
· Create and implement Daycare Garden with children. Dedicating time with each class to work with students on gardening techniques, planting and harvesting fruits for cooking.
· Create and implement cooking classes with kids of all ages, by coordinating with the Assistant Director on food curriculum projects.
· Must be able to fill in for breaks in a classroom setting as directed by the Executive Director
Qualifications and Education Requirements
· High School Diploma
· Must meet DCF required 45 Hours and all annual training / In-service requirements
· 2 plus years of executive chef in a daycare or healthcare setting desired
· Comprehensive knowledge of national and state education standards to include licensing requirements and procedures and fire, health, and OSHA regulations
· CPR and First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain
· A love for children and a strong desire to make a difference every day
· Excellent administrative, organizational, verbal, listening, and communication skills required
· Must be physically able lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and work indoors or outdoors. Must be able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity. Should be able to stand long hours.
· Ability to speak, read, and write English.
· All other duties as assigned by the leadership team