Chef Manager

Lenox Hill Neighborhood•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, a leading human services provider in New York, is seeking an innovative, ambitious, and mission-driven Chef Manager to join their team. This role will report to the Executive Chef & Director of Culinary Programs and collaborate with various teams to enhance daily food operations and the farm-to-institution food service model. Lenox Hill Neighborhood House is a pioneer in the nonprofit farm-to-institution movement, serving a significant number of healthy, culturally responsive meals annually. The Teaching Kitchen® program, part of this initiative, trains other nonprofits to adopt a farm-to-institution model, improving access to fresh, healthy food for individuals relying on government-funded meals, supporting regional farms, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Requirements

Chef who thrives in a highly social, fast-paced community and institutional kitchen environment.
Bachelor’s degree.
Demonstrated commitment to healthy, local, and sustainable food.
5+ years of culinary, food production, or restaurant management experience.
Experience operating community food programs and managing high-volume meal production kitchens and food service teams.
Demonstrated strong management skills.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Computer literacy, including Excel and relevant culinary or food service software.
Food Protection Certificate from the New York City Department of Health, or ability to obtain.
Commitment to food equity, sustainable food systems, and social justice.
Availability to work holidays as needed to ensure uninterrupted meal service.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with programs such as DFTA (Department for the Aging) and CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) strongly preferred.
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred based on the language needs of the community served.

Responsibilities

Oversee the management and operations of the institutional kitchen, including creating and managing program menus in compliance with nutrition and funder requirements.
Lead and work with Sous Chefs, Chef Tournant, and Food Services Team members for effective daily operations, including managing schedules, hiring, onboarding, and training.
Collaborate with chefs to develop, test, and introduce culturally responsive, farm-to-institution recipes that are scalable for institutional food service.
Support the expansion of community meal outreach initiatives, coordinating meal production, distribution logistics, and community partnerships.
Utilize technology and data systems to track food costs, inventory, and production quantities, ensuring compliance with government food program requirements.
Obtain or maintain certification to make and serve food in New York City and ensure compliance with NYC Food Standards.
Evaluate costs, negotiate prices with vendors, and develop relationships with potential new sourcing opportunities.
Facilitate and assist in the management and oversight of the Food Services Program, providing periodic team training, facility self-inspections, and venue inventory.
Assist with all daily food operations and in-house special events, including menu preparation, event set-up, and breakdown.
Maintain compliance with all food handling procedures, including those of the Department of Health and the Neighborhood House.
Communicate effectively across the Neighborhood House and with Program/Department Leads to ensure streamlined communication regarding menus and in-house meal service.
Lead the ongoing improvement of kitchen standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring clear systems for production, sanitation, inventory, and team workflows.
Complete all other responsibilities and duties as assigned by the Executive Chef & Director of Culinary Programs.

Benefits

Comprehensive health insurance choices for staff and their families
Extensive paid time off – 25 days’ vacation; 12 holidays; and sick time
Matching contributions to Retirement Plan
Paid parental leave policy for all staff
Professional Development Opportunities – certifications and licenses, conferences, trainings, lectures and more
Free Life Insurance – 3x annual salary
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical, Dependent Care and Parking/Mass Transit
Supplemental Insurance Coverage (Accident, Hospital and Critical Illness)
Staff events and parties including Film and Dinner nights, bowling parties, baseball games, food trucks, holiday parties, parties on our Green Roof, chocolate event for Valentine’s Day and ice cream socials, and much more.
Staff use of State-of-the Art Fitness Center, Gym and Swimming Pool
Staff group fitness classes, swimming lessons and lap swim for staff
PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) Eligible Employer