Congregation Beth El Kitchen Manager Job Description
Mission Statement:
Congregation Beth El is a Conservative synagogue whose mission is to create a home for every soul by offering a variety of Jewish experiences to nourish the mind, heart, and spirit, while being a caring Jewish community.
Position:
We seek a Kitchen Manager to oversee and coordinate all aspects of our kosher kitchen at Congregation Beth El. The Kitchen Manager will supervise the use of our kosher kitchen and equipment by synagogue staff and approved caterers and will ensure that all food preparation and service meet synagogue standards for quality, hospitality, and kashrut.
The Kitchen Manager will work closely with the Events Department to coordinate with families about internally catered life cycle events, including Shabbat dinners, luncheons, kiddushes, and other celebrations. The Kitchen Manager will also work in partnership with the Program Team to support Beth El internal events by planning menus, scaling quantities, and coordinating food service for synagogue programs, meetings, and events.
As a member of the congregation administrative team, the Kitchen Manager oversees all kitchen related ordering and purchasing. This includes ordering, receiving, and managing deliveries from vendors for groceries, equipment, and kitchen supplies. The Kitchen Manager maintains an accurate kitchen inventory and maintains budget awareness for kitchen operations.
The Kitchen Manager is responsible for building, supervising, and supporting an internal team of servers, dishwashers, and prep cooks. This includes hiring, training, scheduling, and overseeing staff to ensure appropriate coverage for weekly needs and special events.
The Kitchen Manager will work closely with the Facilities Team and management to ensure ongoing upkeep and maintenance of kitchen equipment and spaces, schedule regular and deep cleanings, and maintain a clean, sanitary kosher kitchen in compliance with health, safety, and kashrut standards.
The Kitchen Manager will:
• Build menus for internal events and kiddushes and scale them appropriately to guest counts.
• Handle food service for internal programs and lifecycle events.
• Coordinate with the Events and Program Departments regarding menu options, logistics, and timing for internally catered events.
• Support, coordinate, and supervise approved caterers as needed for events and programs.
• Assist with kitchen related fundraising needs, including identifying priorities for equipment and materials and communicating them to leadership.
The Kitchen Manager will be supervised by the Director of Membership Services and Operations and will work collaboratively with the department heads and lay leaders.
A successful candidate is personable, experienced, and a collaborative team player who is interested in supporting our vibrant, welcoming, and growing congregation.
Required Experience:
• Significant relevant experience in food services
• Previous experience managing a kitchen, culinary team, or food service operation
• Experience working with third party vendors and placing orders
• Experience supervising and scheduling staff
• Strong administrative skills for ordering, scheduling, and basic budgeting
• Appropriate computer skills for administrative functions, including email, basic spreadsheets, and simple inventory or ordering systems
Required Capabilities:
• Positive attitude, approachable, and functions with clarity, transparency, and integrity
• Able to build and sustain relationships with diverse constituencies, including families, staff, and vendors
• Flexible availability, including weekends, evenings, and Jewish holidays as needed
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Calm, thoughtful demeanor in quick decision making moments
• Enjoys working with people and able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Familiar with Jewish dietary laws and life cycle traditions, or willing to learn synagogue practices regarding kashrut
• Able to maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment in line with health department standards
• Physically able to stand for extended periods, lift and move supplies, and work in a busy kitchen environment
Compensation:
Hourly rate is $30 per hour, commensurate with experience. This position is a part time with Flexible hours, including weekends and some occasional evenings.
Please email cover letter, resume, and requested salary to:
Katharine Kasinak [email protected]