Kitchen Manager-Kendallville

Lutheran Life Villages (LLV) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Kitchen Manager to support and lead daily kitchen operations within our Dining Services Department. This position plays a key role in ensuring the consistent preparation and service of high-quality meals while maintaining a safe, sanitary, and efficient kitchen environment. The Kitchen Manager provides hands-on leadership, supervises kitchen staff, and supports departmental operations to meet the needs of residents, guests, and staff.

This role is ideal for an organized, team-oriented professional who is passionate about food service excellence, staff development, and operational compliance within a long-term care or hospitality environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Kitchen Manager assists in the management of the Dining Services Department and is responsible for supporting the daily execution of food service operations. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Directing and assisting in the preparation and serving of meals according to established menus and production schedules

• Ensuring meals are prepared and served in a timely, consistent, and high-quality manner

• Supervising, training, and supporting kitchen staff to promote teamwork, accountability, and performance excellence

• Assigning daily tasks and adjusting staffing levels as needed to meet operational demands

• Managing employee schedules, attendance, and shift coverage

• Ensuring proper use, care, and storage of food, supplies, and equipment

• Monitoring kitchen workflows to promote efficiency and reduce waste

• Maintaining all kitchen areas, equipment, and storage spaces in clean, safe, and sanitary condition

• Ensuring compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards, including local, state, and federal guidelines

• Supporting inspections and audits by maintaining proper documentation and readiness

• Addressing operational issues promptly and professionally

• Modeling professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions

Leadership and Team Support

The Kitchen Manager serves as a visible leader within the kitchen, providing guidance and support to staff while fostering a positive and respectful work environment. This role emphasizes:

• Clear communication of expectations and procedures

• On-the-job training and coaching of new and existing team members

• Reinforcement of safety practices and sanitation standards

• Encouragement of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Collaboration with Dining Services leadership to support departmental goals

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

The Kitchen Manager plays a critical role in maintaining food quality and safety by:

• Ensuring all food handling practices meet sanitation and safety standards

• Monitoring temperatures, storage, and preparation methods

• Ensuring proper cleaning and sanitizing of kitchen equipment and workspaces

• Supporting infection control and workplace safety practices

• Reporting maintenance or equipment issues promptly

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience in food service or kitchen operations

• Leadership or supervisory experience in a kitchen or dining environment

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and leadership

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and safety standards

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in healthcare, senior living, or institutional food service

• Experience with scheduling and staff coordination

• Familiarity with regulatory compliance in food service operations

Work Environment and Schedule

• This position requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting as part of daily kitchen operations

• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays is required

• Lutheran Life Villages recognizes 14 holidays annually; employees may be scheduled to work based on departmental needs

Why Join Lutheran Life Villages

Lutheran Life Villages is a faith-based, mission-driven organization committed to serving residents with dignity, respect, and compassion. We value our employees and strive to create a supportive work environment where teamwork, integrity, and service excellence are at the heart of everything we do.

By joining LLV, you become part of a team that makes a meaningful difference every day—supporting residents, families, and one another through quality care and service.