What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kitchen Manager position at The After 26 Depot?
Job Title: Kitchen Manager
Location: The After 26 Depot Cafe, Cadillac, MI 49601
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Weekends required; some evenings for events and catering
Reports To: Executive Director
About Us
The After 26 Depot Cafe is a nonprofit café dedicated to inclusive employment for individuals with developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments. We serve breakfast, lunch, and offer catering services—bringing people together through good food and meaningful work.
Position Summary
We are seeking a neat, clean, and highly organized Kitchen Manager to lead our back-of-house operations. This hands-on leadership role requires strong culinary and supervisory skills, professional catering experience, and the ability to maintain a high standard of cleanliness, efficiency, and inclusion in the workplace.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for weekly food ordering, seasonal and catering menu development, and overall kitchen performance, reporting directly to the Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage daily kitchen operations: breakfast, lunch, special events, and catering
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen that meets all health code standards
- Supervise, train, and support kitchen staff, including individuals with developmental disabilities
- Curate seasonal menus and develop custom catering menus aligned with café goals
- Order food and supplies weekly and manage inventory to prevent overstock and waste
- Monitor and track food costs, including Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
- Ensure all food safety standards are followed (SERVSAFE certification required)
- Maintain consistent communication and report directly to the General Manager or Executive Director
- Manage staff scheduling and resolve any kitchen staffing issues professionally
- Collaborate with front-of-house and program staff for smooth and inclusive service
- Lead by example with professionalism, calmness under pressure, and attention to detail
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of kitchen management experience
- Catering experience is required
- Proven ability to develop seasonal and catering menus
- SERVSAFE certification (current and required)
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Demonstrated cleanliness, efficiency, and ability to lead by example
- Experience with weekly food ordering, vendor communication, and inventory control
- Knowledge of food cost control and kitchen budgeting
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is a plus (or willingness to be trained)
- Must be available to work weekends and special events
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Benefits may include- Dental and vision
- Opportunity to work in a mission-driven, community-focused environment
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16 - $20