DREAM Program Chef

Brigaid•Bronx, NY

17h•Onsite

About The Position

We’re hiring a Program Chef to lead our work with DREAM Charter Schools (DREAM)! Since 2016, we’ve been redefining what it means to be a successful chef by partnering with institutional foodservice programs across the US. Our team brings the systems and solutions to help kitchens consistently and confidently prepare high-quality meals. Demand for our services is growing faster than ever. In the past 3 years alone, we’ve expanded from a team of 5 chefs to a coast-to-coast network of 80 and counting. About Our Partnership With DREAM: DREAM serves over 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through the DREAM Charter Schools network and community sports-based youth development programs. In 2023, we helped them build an in-house food service program, which currently operates across three DREAM schools. The program serves scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and snacks. It also provides catering for high-profile events, school meetings, and community dinners. Each school site is overseen by a DREAM kitchen manager, with the Program Chef leading the day-to-day operations and long-term planning of the overall program. We’re looking for a Program Chef to help take the program to the next level. In this role, you’ll work at DREAM on a full-time and year-round basis, collaborating closely with organization leadership to: Increase participation for breakfast, lunch, and snack across all three sites Increase menu variety and develop new recipes, while maintaining food quality and consistency at the highest level Train kitchen staff across all three sites on basic culinary, safety, and operational best practices Implement meal service for Head Start programs at each site in March 2026 Although DREAM will have ultimate authority over the foodservice program's strategic direction, you'll be a key player in driving change.

Requirements

At least 5 years of professional cooking experience in a non-institutional setting, including at least 2 years in a kitchen supervisory role
ServSafe Manager certified or the ability to take a Brigaid-sponsored 8-hour ServSafe Manager course and pass the exam during your initial training period
Successful completion of two background checks prior to your start date
Ability to travel across sites in an efficient manner (with the possibility of carrying kitchen/culinary equipment during this travel)
Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds
Ability to walk around and stand for long periods of time
Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft and Google programs and Zoom.

Nice To Haves

High-volume cooking experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the foodservice program while staying within budgeted guidelines and adhering to the highest food safety and quality standards.
Implement and oversee systems/protocols for kitchen organization, serving line setup, food storage, HACCP programs, etc. across all sites.
Maintain kitchen signs and tools across sites from our catalog of training materials. Facilitate the creation of new materials.
Maintain required records, including those related to food production, purchasing, and inventory as well as all HACCP documentation, including food safety and temperature logs.
Source products/ingredients and find vendors.
Source smallwares and advise on equipment needs.
Place all orders.
Ensure all deliveries are properly received, stored, and rotated.
Develop recipes and menus in compliance with the National School Lunch Program.
Develop and implement a plan to roll out new menu items with an eye towards consistency and quality across all sites.
Plan and execute tastings for new menu items.
Gather staff and student feedback and incorporate it into menu planning as appropriate.
Conduct regular staff training across sites on basic culinary, safety, and operational best practices in accordance with our standards.
Regularly visit sites to assess progress.
Participate in occasional DREAM events, such as career fairs, back-to-school nights, and community meals.
Participate in interviews for prospective foodservice staff and offer hiring recommendations.
Document your progress in a daily journal and discuss with your Brigaid regional chef during regular Zoom calls.
Participate in meetings with organization leadership and/or other stakeholders.
Adhere to all of our protocols and standards as well as those of DREAM as outlined in our respective employee handbooks.
Adhere to all United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Health guidelines and regulations.
Assist with any other job-related tasks, including, but not limited to, receiving and storing food and supplies, setting up and breaking down kitchens, scaling recipes, preparing, packing and serving food, cleaning kitchens, and doing dishes.

Benefits

100% company-paid health insurance for you and your family — a gold level plan through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield with a platinum level plan buy-up option as well
100% company-paid dental insurance for you and your family through Guardian
100% company-paid vision insurance for you and your family through Guardian
100% company-paid short- and long-term care insurance through Guardian
10 days of paid vacation to start
14 paid holidays
6 days of paid sick leave
A 401k with a 4% company match and immediate vesting
Travel stipend of $250 will be offered to each candidate living more than 120 miles away from The Bronx.
A one-time, lump sum $5,000 moving stipend (subject to tax) if offered the position and living farther than 120 miles from The Bronx.