At Easterseals of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we are committed to two – often interconnecting - pillars of work… early learning and disability. Through these pillars, we transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford since 1936.

For more information about our organization, please visit us online at www.eastersealschicago.org. 

The Program Manager/Pastry Chef for the Happy Apple Pie Shop is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the bakery, offering employment opportunities, job training, and life skills development for individuals with and without disabilities. This position provides leadership and job coaching to staff and maintains quality programing in keeping with Easterseals’ mission to transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support.

In collaboration with chef consultants, the Program Manager/Pastry Chef is responsible for building business, engaging in events and other promotional activities, and supporting customers and staff as the Happy Apple Pie shop transitions to Easterseals’ management. The Program Manager provides all needed support and assistance to ensure that employees achieve their highest level of independence, and work is completed on time and up to quality standards.

This is a fast-paced and occasionally physical position that relies on multiple skill sets, including baking, staff supervision, production and organization, sourcing, technical proficiency, communication ability, patience, and empathy. It is ideal for a leader who possesses a passion for food, pastry, and community and who is also able to positively influence, nurture, and encourage 

bakery team members.

This position is located at The Happy Apple Pie Shop, 226 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL 60304. 

MAJOR FUNCTIONS/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Program Operations:

• Oversee daily bakery operations and maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Recommend bakery and program design changes as appropriate, including hours of operation, menu composition, and community outreach initiatives.
• Lead the new product development process, including menu development, weekend specials, and holiday planning.
• Monitor bakery operations to ensure all available resources are deployed in ways that maximize the production of high-quality products and achieve program goals.
• Track and analyze production/operations metrics to improve efficiency, quality, and resource utilization.
• Monitor budget to actual performance, develop plans to address variances, and create budget amendments if needed.
• Oversee inventory and ordering of bakery ingredients and other supplies through multiple vendors, with a focus on fostering relationships with local suppliers.
• Lead program projects, including formatting recipes and costing.
• Lead and/or assist with the planning and execution of on- and off-site special events, as appropriate.

Team Development/Leadership:

• Provide direct supervision to bakery team members, including individuals with and without disabilities.
• Develop and enhance recruitment efforts and onboarding processes for individuals with disabilities and neurotypical employees.
• Encourage, train, and coach bakery staff to provide them with opportunities to learn and develop their skills.
• Track individual progress against training goals/competencies and use data to tailor ongoing skill development.
• Create a plan for the successful integration of a diverse workforce.
• Organize and delegate work, establish priorities, make proper staffing assignments, and ensure bakery team members have all necessary materials and instructions to fulfill their responsibilities each day.
• Create visual and physical supports to maximize the independence of bakery team members.
• Foster professional development, growth, and success of Sous Chef/Lead Baker through leadership, coaching, teamwork and education.
• Reinforce Happy Apple Pie Shop and Easterseals policies, procedures, and standards to ensure staff satisfaction and retention, as well as product quality and consistency.
• Serve as a source of support for bakery team members by encouraging their feedback, answering questions, and resolving concerns.
• Ensure the bakery team has a clear understanding of the organization’s values and goals, and provide direction and communication on key issues that empower them to achieve results.
• Maintain knowledge of employment programs, initiatives, laws, and trends in community, state, and national organizations, agencies, and government.
• Implement all processes, procedures, and best practices in vocational training and employment opportunities aligned to research and evidence-based practices.
• Embody the core competencies and values of Easterseals and positively promote the organization’s culture.

Communication & Reporting:

• Participate in weekly calls and meetings with Easterseals’ leadership and chef consultants as needed.
• Facilitate and participate in regularly scheduled meetings with bakery team.
• Maintain records of hours worked and work completed for each bakery team member.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with customers, guests, bakery team, Easterseals’ leadership, program consultants, and stakeholders.
• Maintain daily log of notable issues for review and discussion with Easterseals leadership and program consultants.
• Create and maintain tools and reports that empower leaders, chef consultants, and stakeholders to make data-driven decisions and answer high-leverage questions.
• Work with the leadership team and chef consultants to ensure information disseminated to stakeholders is an accurate and valid reflection of program activities.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education/Certification:

• Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate preferred.
• City and State Food Sanitation certificate

Experience Required:

• 2 years of Chef or Sous Chef experience managing a pastry department.
• 2 years of experience in a leadership or management position, with responsibility for daily operations, planning, staff scheduling, and building systems and processes.
• Experience of working with diverse individuals with different backgrounds and abilities.
• Experience with recipe formatting and documentation, menu development, ordering, and inventory tracking.
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office, costing, budgeting, POS systems, and payroll.

Vehicle/Transportation Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable vehicle.

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and to cultivate an atmosphere of cultural responsiveness, respect, and teamwork.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that allow for effective relationships in a diverse environment with ability to collaborate and build a consensus.
• Well organized, highly detail oriented, and motivated to maintain an appealing, clean, and fresh bakery appearance.
• Desire to source thoughtfully and understand the process of buying from local suppliers, in coordination with program consultants.
• Technologically adept – Comfort, familiarity, and ability to learn and use a variety of computer applications. Intermediate-level knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, and Excel. Ability to use internet browsers and video conferencing.
• Exceptional work ethic and ability to multi-task by managing complex and competing priorities, while thinking strategically and articulating well-reasoned recommendations.
• Ability to perform all functions necessary to obtain and maintain certification in agency-required crisis prevention and intervention training and CPR.
• Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Supervision — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
• Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
• Able to communicate effectively, concisely, and persuasively at all levels of organization, demonstrating a willingness to listen, respond appropriately and effectively navigate conflict.
• Ability to use data tracking systems and utilize various software programs for project and program efficiency.

ADA: Easterseals will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990. Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to possess the ability to perform the physical tasks necessary to perform all job functions, i.e., bending, floor-sitting, etc., as well as to have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.