“Every person deserves compassion, dignity, and the safety of a place to call home.” Homelessness is the largest social and public health crisis in California. Illumination Foundation(IF) is a growing non-profit organization dedicated towards disrupting the cycle of homelessness by providing targeted, interdisciplinary services in our recuperative care centers, emergency shelters, housing services and children's and family programs. IF currently has 13+ facilities with 22+ micro-communities scattered across Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire. Job Description The Kitchen Manager oversees back-of-house operations at Carnegie and Fullerton sites, ensuring efficient meal preparations and distribution for clients. They manage inventory, food donations, and vendor relationships while maintaining food safety and sanitation standards. This role includes supervising and training kitchen staff, conducting cleaning audits, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. The Kitchen Manager must be able to adapt coordinate meal planning and support the organization’s mission by providing nutritious meals with dignity and care.   + The Salary range for this role is $68,640.00 per year.  Responsibilities Operations & Inventory Management   + Oversee daily back of house operations, ensuring seamless execution of food preparation and service.   + Conduct regular inventory checks and manage stock levels to prevent shortages and reduce waste.   + Collect, review and process vendor invoices.   + Monitor kitchen equipment maintenance and repairs, ensuring all appliances function properly to prevent downtime.   + Develop and maintain kitchen performance tracking systems, analyzing efficiency, food cost, and waste reduction.   + Ensure proper storage of all perishable items utilizing the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method and appropriate food labels.  Sanitation & Compliance   + Maintain and enforce kitchen cleaning protocols, ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.   + Perform weekly deep cleaning audits, documenting compliance and implementing corrective actions as needed.   + Track and ensure all kitchen staff maintain up-to-date food handler certification in accordance with health regulations.   + Implement and enforce health and safety regulations, maintaining a safe working environment.    + Conduct daily temperature checks on all refrigeration units and ready to eat foods.  Food Preparation & Quality Control   + Oversee and assist in food preparation and batch cooking, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and quality control.   + Ensure adherence to portion control and food cost management, reducing unnecessary expenses.   + Work closely with the Manager of Culinary to ensure execution of standardized recipes and menu updates.   + Adhere to all guidelines on cooling prepared foods to align with health code standards.  Staff Management & Training  + Train and supervise kitchen staff in proper cooking techniques, safety protocols, and efficiency practices.   + Address and resolve any kitchen- related issues, including staffing concerns and supply shortages.   + Collaborate with Site Managers and Case Managers to ensure food services align with the clients’ needs.   + Foster a supportive work environment, mentoring staff on company values and kitchen operations.   + Train team members who receive deliveries on how to properly check for items that may need to be refused at time of delivery and proper storage of items utilizing the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method.  Food Distribution & Coordination   + Coordinate food production and distribution for multiple site locations.   + Ensure prepared meals are packaged and transported in alignment with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) protocols.  + Work with Site Managers to adjust meal production based on client capacity, demand, and food availability.   Qualifications  Required:  + 2+ years of experience in kitchen management or lead role.  + Experience with food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and inventory management.  + Ability to plan and prepare large-scale meals, preferably in a high-volume kitchen or community service setting.  + Strong leadership and team management skills, including training and supervising staff or volunteers.  + Experience working with food donations, inventory tracking, and cost control.  + Ability to multitask and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.  Preferred:  + Experience working in a homeless shelter, food bank, or nonprofit food service.  + Formal training in culinary arts, food service management, or a related field.  + Knowledge of nutritional needs and dietary restrictions for diverse populations.  + Familiarity with community food resources, such as food banks and donation programs.  + Certification in ServSafe Food Manager or equivalent food safety manager certificate.  Benefits + Medical Insurance funded up to 91% by Illumination Foundation (Kaiser and Blue Shield), depending on the plan + Dental and Vision Insurance + Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance funded 100% by Illumination Foundation + Employee Assistance Program + Professional Development Reimbursement + 401K with Company Matching + 15 days vacation PTO/year + 6 days of sick pay/year + Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSFL) for federally qualified loans   Powered by JazzHR