Program Manager, Food Services & Vocational Training

HAYMARKET CENTER • Chicago, IL

7d

About The Position

Haymarket Center is seeking a hands-on Program Manager to lead the daily operations and growth of Mac’s Deli as a social enterprise and transitional employment program. The role oversees food service operations and supports high standards of food quality, customer service, and financial performance while fostering an inclusive workplace focused on learning and career development.

In collaboration with Haymarket’s Supported Employment Center, the Program Manager recruits, hires, trains, and supervises transitional employees who are clients of Haymarket Center’s treatment programs. The manager provides hands-on coaching and vocational training to help participants identify strengths and career goals, develop transferable job skills, and prepare for competitive, integrated employment in the community. The role also coordinates vocational services with treatment and recovery goals and works with recovery and mental health treatment teams.

This is a full-time program management role integrating food service operations, social enterprise development, and workforce development within an urban treatment center serving individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in food service, hospitality, business operations, or program management, including staff supervision and financial management.
• Knowledge of food service operations, pricing, inventory management, food safety, and profit and loss reporting.
• Interest in and commitment to supporting individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to collaborate with clinical and vocational service teams and work effectively with a diverse population.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and Teams, and other workplace technology.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to obtain the Chicago Department of Public Health Foodservice Sanitation Manager Certificate upon hire and before beginning employment.
• Minimum age of 23, a valid Illinois driver's license, and a clean driving record.
• Candidates may qualify with a bachelor’s degree in social work, business administration, public administration, human services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Candidates may qualify with an associate or bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, hospitality, or business and at least one year of management experience.
• Candidates may qualify with a certificate or vocational training in culinary arts, hospitality management, or food service management and at least two years of management experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, budgets, grant and contract compliance, and reporting for the transitional employment program.
• Manage deli operations, including product selection, pricing, preparation, promotion, inventory, food safety, sanitation, and customer service; monitor sales, labor costs, and profitability.
• Recruit, interview, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate transitional employees in accordance with established policies and budget requirements.
• Build supportive relationships with Haymarket Center clients and provide hands-on vocational coaching to develop transferable job skills and prepare participants for competitive, integrated employment.
• Participate in weekly consultations with recovery and mental health treatment teams and coordinate vocational services with clients’ treatment and recovery goals.
• Prepare weekly operational reports and monthly profit and loss statements; monitor expenditures, review purchases, and identify opportunities to improve financial performance.
• Identify opportunities to expand the social enterprise, introduce new products, and improve operations and employment outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed