Kitchen Associate Supervisor

Lifescape Community Services•Rockford, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Kitchen Associate Supervisor oversees the daily operations of Lifescape's Nutrition/Kitchen program, including food production, inventory, meal packaging, staff supervision, training, sanitation, safety, and regulatory compliance. This position ensures meals are prepared and served according to approved menus, recipes, portion sizes, temperature requirements, and quality standards. The Supervisor manages day-to-day Nutrition staff, including scheduling, training, performance management, staff development, and addressing employee concerns. The position also supports hiring, onboarding, program monitoring, quality assurance, audits, and continuous improvement. All hiring and termination decisions must be approved by the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO).

Requirements

Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
Experience in food service, high-volume food preparation, inventory management, or a related field.
Valid Illinois driver's license, acceptable driving record, reliable transportation, and current insurance.
Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with computers and standard office software.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to communicate effectively and work respectfully with older adults, individuals with sensory impairments, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and comply with organizational policies and applicable laws and regulations.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to travel to community-based locations and work evenings or weekends as needed.
Must be able to work in kitchen, office, and community environments, including varying temperatures and weather conditions.
Must successfully complete required background screening, drug testing, and fingerprinting in accordance with company policy and applicable Illinois requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Food Management, Nutrition, Home Economics, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily kitchen operations, food production, meal packaging, and cleanup.
Supervise meal preparation, portioning, packaging, and distribution for congregate and home-delivered meal programs.
Ensure meals meet approved menu, recipe, portion, temperature, quality, and food safety standards.
Serve as the lead for daily hot-line food production and provide backup support for kitchen positions as needed.
Plan daily and weekly meal production and assign staff to production duties.
Manage food and supply inventory, including receiving, storage, rotation, organization, and accurate accounting of products.
Assist the Nutrition Director with food and supply ordering.
Monitor refrigerators, freezers, food storage areas, and kitchen equipment to ensure proper operation and maintenance.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local health, safety, sanitation, and program regulations.
Review health department findings and implement and document corrective actions.
Maintain a clean, safe, sanitary, and pest-free work environment.
Assist with recipe development and testing and monitor food quality at meal sites.
Address meal shortages, production issues, and other operational concerns.
Prepare for and participate in audits, program reviews, and compliance activities.
Develop and maintain departmental procedures, SOPs, training materials, and checklists with required approval.
Track program outcomes and metrics and identify opportunities for improvement.
Supervise, train, coach, and evaluate Nutrition staff in accordance with organizational policies.
Conduct staff meetings, manage schedules, approve timesheets and PTO, and address performance or attendance concerns.
Conduct interviews and assist with hiring, onboarding, job descriptions, training plans, and other HR-related functions.
Administer disciplinary actions as appropriate and collaborate with the CHRO on employee matters.
Ensure employees maintain required certifications and complete required training and recertification.
Assist with the coordination and supervision of volunteers and interns.
Participate in agency events, community activities, presentations, and promotional activities.
Work cooperatively with employees, volunteers, clients, and community partners while supporting Lifescape's mission and values.
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, reliability, and ethical conduct.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Director, CHRO, or Lifescape Administration.