Program Manager-Teaching Kitchen and Bistro

Hope Served•Manheim, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as the strategic point person for Hope Served’s food service enterprises with a key focus on planning for and launching the Hope Served Teaching Kitchen and Bistro: a mission-driven, nonprofit social-enterprise restaurant that will provide meaningful employment, culinary training, and life-skills education for people with disabilities. The overall goal is developing financially sustainable enterprises while fostering an inclusive, supportive, and person-centered environment for employees and trainees with disabilities. This role blends traditional restaurant management responsibilities with culinary education and staff development. The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, committed to disability inclusion, and skilled in building a positive culture that emphasizes growth, dignity, and teamwork.

Requirements

Experience launching or managing a food service establishment (restaurant, catering business, cafeteria, etc.)
Strong project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple workstreams.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and mission-driven work.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
Maintains commitments and values which are consistent with the mission and core values of Hope Served.
Self-motivated team player.
Works well independently, but also as a team member.
Must complete criminal background check and child abuse clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in launching or managing a social enterprise or vocational training program.
Experience in program development, nonprofit management, hospitality operations, disability services, workforce development, or similar fields.
Understanding of inclusive employment practices and/or experience working alongside people with disabilities.
Knowledge of ADA guidelines, supported employment models, or vocational rehabilitation best practices.
Experience developing or delivering curriculum or training materials.
Ability to develop attractive menu and atmosphere in a food service environment
Ability to carry out financially sustainable business plan
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational abilities.
Strong written, verbal, and listening skills.
Ability to relate effectively with diverse constituencies, including individuals and families with disabilities, church leaders/volunteers, community leaders/volunteers, and business leaders/volunteers.
Empathetic to the needs of individuals and families with disabilities, and openness to working with persons of various cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Willingness to learn and carry out Hope Served’s philosophy of disability.
Current ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification or ability to quickly obtain.
Access to reliable transportation including ability to haul items to and from events.

Responsibilities

Lead project planning, timelines, budgeting, and coordination for pre-launch and launch phases of the Teaching Kitchen and Bistro.
Collaborate with leadership, consultants, contractors, community partners, and vendors to ensure all operational components are in place (menu, facility, equipment, permits, staffing, policies, marketing, etc.).
Identify daily sales, catering sales, and marketing plans to ensure operational sustainability.
Assist in reviewing funding sources unique to operating workforce development and culinary education programs.
Develop organizational systems and operating procedures needed for a smooth opening and ongoing operations.
Oversee day-to-day front- and back-of-house operations of Hope Served Café and, when open, Hope Served Kitchen, to ensure high standards of service, food quality, cleanliness, and safety.
Recruit, hire, schedule, and evaluate staff—including individuals with disabilities and job trainers.
Provide mentoring and training with a focus on developing the skills and abilities of individuals with disabilities by identifying and building upon their capabilities.
Foster an inclusive, supportive workplace culture rooted in teamwork, respect, empowerment, and patience.
Model positive communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food-handling regulations.
Implement systems and processes that promote efficiency while accommodating varying abilities.
Monitor financial performance to ensure sustainability and assist with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
Design, refine, and implement a comprehensive training program for people with disabilities including vocational, culinary, life-skills, and workplace readiness components.
Identify accessibility needs and ensure training and employment pathways are inclusive, adaptive, and evidence-based.
Create documentation, curriculum materials, and assessment tools, including onboarding, coaching, and support processes for workers and trainees with disabilities.
Collaborate with disability-service partners, schools, agencies, and community organizations to recruit program participants and employees.
Ensure ADA compliance and foster a culture of respect, empowerment, and belonging.
Build strong relationships with funders, service providers, culinary partners, volunteers, and community supporters.
May assist with leadership of Hope Served Coffee and Hope Served Greeting Cards microenterprises prior to Restaurant opening.
Build relationships with current individuals and families connected to Hope Served.
Identify ways to engage these people in the work of Hope Served.
Maintain adherence to Hope Served’s Vision, Mission, Core Values and faith-based founding and nature.
Attend Hope Served staff meetings and IFAC meetings.
Assist with general Hope Served and community activities as requested by the Executive Director.
Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.