Welcome to your opportunity to change the world! If you have a servant’s heart and want to be part of something truly special, then Caritas Family Solutions needs you. We have been serving the people of Illinois since 1947 and have over 500 committed and mission-driven team members. At Caritas, we do not hire people for jobs; we find new team members for rewarding and life-changing careers that make the world better.  

If you are kind, patient, and ready to make a difference, we would love to meet you! 

 Full-time employees are offered the competitive benefits outlined below: 

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid training 
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision 
• Life insurance 
• 403(b) with company contribution 5% 
• Tuition reimbursement 

We know great candidates bring a wide range of experience. If you believe you can be successful in this role, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every qualification listed.  

Title: Kitchen Manager

Department: Residential Services

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports To: Senior Administrative Manager

Starting Compensation Pay: $59,000/annually

PURPOSE: The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the successful operation of the residential kitchen, including managing the nutritional needs of residents, meal planning and preparation, inventory control, adherence to food safety regulations, and ensuring quality and timely meal service. This position plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of youth and residents served by Caritas Family Solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Manage food services operations in accordance with Public Health Standards for large groups.
• Plan, prepare, and post menus in compliance with state health and licensing regulations.
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to nutritional standards and individual resident needs.
• Order, receive, and properly store food and food service supplies.
• Maintain inventory and cost controls.
• Ensure kitchen, dining room, equipment, and dishes are cleaned and sanitized after meals.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary food preparation and serving environment.
• Prepare and submit required food management documentation in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, food safety regulations, and licensing requirements.
• Assist with training and oversight related to safe food handling practices.
• Report equipment and appliance repairs to the Facilities Department for timely service.
• Supervise kitchen staff, cooks, or cook assistants as assigned.
• Additional duties as assigned.

 Please note that the Responsibilities and Qualifications provide a general overview of the primary duties for this role and the basic qualifications. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.  

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIRED/PREFERRED

Degree/Field Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.

Degree/Field Preferred: N/A. Related fields will be considered.

Additional Fields of Knowledge Important for the Role:

• Knowledge of customer and personal service principles and practices.
• Understanding of customer needs assessment and service quality standards.
• Ability to evaluate customer satisfaction and service delivery effectiveness.
• Knowledge of food production, preparation, storage, and handling techniques.
• Understanding of safe food storage and inventory management practices.
• Familiarity with nutritional standards and food service requirements for residential care settings.

Experience Required:

Minimum three years of experience planning, ordering, and preparing food and food service supplies for groups of twenty or more. At least six months of experience working in a similar food service capacity is required.

Experience Preferred:

Previous experience in a residential, healthcare, institutional, or youth-serving environment preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required:

Must possess or be able to obtain a Public Health Food Service License/Certification.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Manager-Specific: The successful candidate must be able to effectively respond to inquiries, concerns, and requests from residents, staff members, regulatory agencies, and community partners while maintaining professionalism and compliance with agency standards.

Basic: The Kitchen Manager must demonstrate strong communication, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active listening skills. The ability to understand new information, apply sound judgment, monitor performance, and communicate clearly in English is essential.

Social: This position requires excellent interpersonal skills, including service orientation, collaboration, coordination with others, and an ability to work effectively with residents, staff, vendors, and external partners.

Problem Solving/Decision-Making: The Kitchen Manager must be capable of making effective decisions in fast-paced environments, prioritizing tasks under time constraints, meeting deadlines, evaluating outcomes, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and service delivery.

Resource Management: This role requires the ability to manage food budgets, monitor expenditures, responsibly utilize materials and equipment, oversee inventory, and effectively manage personal work time and the work of assigned staff.

Technical: The successful candidate must be able to maintain and monitor food service equipment, perform quality control inspections, identify maintenance needs, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of kitchen systems and equipment.

Proficient Computer Skills In: Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Database Management Software.

Expert Computer Skills In: Outlook and Database Management Software.

Trauma-Informed: Must demonstrate a commitment to trauma-informed care by understanding the prevalence and impact of trauma, recognizing trauma-related responses, implementing trauma-informed principles in daily practice, and fostering safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for residents and staff.

VEHICLE RELATED REQUIREMENTS

Access to reliable transportation: Required

Access to a reliable automobile: Required

Proof of continued insurance: Required

Valid driver's license: Required

Additional license requirements: None

DRUG-FREE WORKFORCE

Caritas Family Solutions is dedicated to maintaining a safe, healthy, and productive environment for our clients and employees. As part of this commitment, a strict drug-free workplace policy is maintained.