This position is responsible for the daily food preparation of the lunch program. Primary responsibilities include planning menus, food preparation, purchasing, staff supervision and overall kitchen management. Additional responsibilities include occasional coordination and preparation of food for special events and programs. The kitchen is a kosher operation with additional oversight by the Vaad HaKashruth of Kansas City.

Schedule

Hours are primarily M-F 8:30am-5pm with occasional evenings and/or weekend.

Essential Functions

• Plan, prepare and serve creative and delicious menus while maintaining excellent quality that aligns with the customer’s expectations
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations including inventory, food sourcing, and ensuring consistent delivery of dishes
• Hire, train and supervise kitchen staff fostering a positive work environment and ensuring efficiency while leading by example
• Prepare budgets and manage food cost, by reviewing regular financial statements, monitoring inventory, collaborating with management to meet department and organizational goals
• Uphold high standards of food quality while ensuring strict compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Build and maintain strong working relationship with the Vaad HaKashruth of Kansas City
• Manage ordering of kosher ingredients with approved Hechshers and general supplies from vendors to ensure adequate stock levels.

• 2-3 years experience managing a food site with batch cooking experience or catering as the primary business. Additional certifications in ServeSafe preferred and required within the first 30 days.
• Excellent food preparation skills with the ability to work well under pressure with an uncompromising pursuit of excellence and food safety
• General computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, particularly Outlook, Excel and Word. Ability to learn quickly new software
• Able to learn and apply kosher food rules and requirements
• Excellent customer service skills with particular attention to the special needs of an older adult population
• 1-2 years of supervisory experience that includes working along side supervisees to accomplish the tasks of the day
• Experience working with older adults, preferred
• Creative ability to utilize leftover ingredients to supplement the menu and reduce food waste
• Strong ability to multi-task, while still being flexible
• Must be a team player with attributes of friendliness, reliable, flexible, organized, honesty and attention to detail
• Formal culinary training, preferred
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the appetite to grow food service at The J

Physical Requirements

• Mobility and stamina: Must be able to stand, walk, and move around the kitchen and service areas for extended periods of time (up to 8–10 hours per shift).
• Lifting and carrying: Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 40–50 pounds (such as boxes of supplies, equipment, or food items).
• Manual dexterity: Frequent use of hands and arms for chopping, stirring, plating, and operating kitchen tools and equipment.
• Reaching and bending: Regularly required to reach, bend, stoop, and twist while working at counters, ovens, and storage areas.
• Hearing and communication: Must be able to hear and communicate effectively in a loud, fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Vision: Requires close and distance vision, color perception, and depth perception for food presentation and safety.
• Temperature tolerance: Must be able to work in hot, humid conditions near ovens, stoves, and dishwashing areas, as well as in cold storage areas.
• Stress tolerance: Ability to maintain focus, accuracy, and composure during busy service times or high-pressure situations.

About The J

The J is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The J is Shabbat-Observant Friendly.

The mission of The J is to build a strong, vibrant and inclusive community that enhances wellness, meaning and joy based on Jewish values, heritage and culture. The J operates on these values:

• Welcoming + Inclusive - We are welcoming, inclusive and nurturing. We invite all to join us in making connections and lifelong friendships.
• Building Community - We believe in the strength of community and we seek to cultivate a sense of belonging in all we do.
• Enriching Mind + Body + Soul - We help individuals live a physically, intellectually, and emotionally healthy lifestyle.
• Passing on Jewish Culture + History - We celebrate and pass on the values, culture, history, and traditions of the Jewish people.
• Treat Others As You Wish To Be Treated - We treat everyone with respect, dignity and loving kindness.