Kitchen Manager - Ellington Senior Center

Start date for this position is September 1, 2026

The Senior Center Kitchen Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen to ensure efficient food production and exceptional quality standards. This position is responsible for managing food safety protocols, staying within budget and maintaining sanitation standards to comply with health regulations. The Kitchen Manager plans menus that meet customer expectations while optimizing resource utilization. By leading and training volunteer kitchen staff, the Kitchen Manager fosters a productive and positive work environment that supports high performance and teamwork. Ultimately, this role ensures that the kitchen operates smoothly, delivering outstanding food service to our seniors that aligns with the established goals and customer satisfaction.

This position is part-time position and is active September 1 through the end of May, with summers off.

Schedule: Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

OBJECTIVES

Under the supervision of the Senior Center Director and/or Assistant Director, the essential duties and responsibilities consist of overseeing all aspects of a commercial kitchen.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Plans menus and prepares meals, baked goods and other refreshments. 

Encourages a well-balanced nutrition plan in accordance with current FDA guidelines. 

Understands the importance of serving appropriate portion sized meals etc. 

Orders and purchases food, beverages and all other products for the food services program and keeping within the annual budget. 

Responsible for safe food handling and adherence to Senior Center Health Department regulations and guidelines. 

Conducts training for kitchen volunteers and acts as their initial point of contact. 

Understands, the Health Department makes unannounced site visits and is directly responsible for the inspection scores.

Delegates tasks appropriately to volunteers, including prep, cleaning, serving etc. 

Understands the importance of safety precautions when using knives and other sharp objects. Serves, restocks and keeps all areas clean at all times

Monitors temperatures of food and all equipment

Checks dates for expiration of all food products. Properly packages and dates all food

Assists program participants with needs and answers questions as appropriate. Has excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work with and assist people with limited mobility and or reduced cognitive functioning. 

Informs Senior Center Director and/or Assistant Director or other appropriate personnel of any problems, repairs needed or issues in a timely manner. 

Schedules volunteers and assign tasks based on needs of kitchen 

Maintains kitchen cleanliness

Maintains cost effective operations and makes recommendations as needed. 

Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to plan meals and coordinate shopping and preparation

Must be self-directed, detail oriented and organized

Ability to provide leadership with volunteers and staff.

Ability to interact in a positive way with volunteers, staff and participants.

Ability to stay current of food safety regulations and guidelines. 

Ability to follow oral and written instructions. 

Ability to effectively relate to the elderly.

Ability to manage kitchen and to ensure employees/volunteers adhere to state regulations regarding kitchen management.

Ability to plan, assign, train and supervise work of others.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Standard Commercial kitchen equipment 

REQUIRED PHYSICAL EFFORT

Some physical effort is required in performing duties, requiring walking and standing an lifting while performing work. Must be able to lift and or move objects up to 25 pounds and occasionally move more. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum)

CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain

Qualified Food Operator (QFO) Certification/or ability to obtain

Must possess a motor vehicle driver’s license valid in Connecticut.