Childcare Head Chef/ Manager

Smarties Academy is a full Spanish Immersion Child Care serving meals cooked from scratch to children 6 weeks -5 years old.

Overview and Purpose:

The Head Chef/Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the academy’s kitchen, ensuring the preparation of nutritious and child-friendly meals. This role requires a person with a passion for creating healthy, delicious meals, excellent organizational skills, and strong leadership abilities to efficiently manage kitchen staff and operations. The Head Chef/Manager must be a team player, capable of performing the chef’s duties while also leading and training other chefs, ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly and meets food quality and safety standards. Additionally, this role is crucial in creating an environment where children enjoy their meals while fostering a positive, collaborative work culture among the kitchen staff. This position plays a key role in ensuring that children receive healthy, appropriate meals within the program, while also providing the necessary training and leadership to ensure the kitchen staff is effective in their roles.

Key Responsibilities:

Culinary & Menu Planning

Prepare nutritious, balanced, and appealing meals tailored to young children, following dietary guidelines and allergy restrictions.

Preparing treats and meals for staff, school-wide celebrations, trainings and fundraisers

Review and revise weekly and monthly menus that align with Smarties Academy’s nutrition policies.

Ensure meals are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients while maintaining cost efficiency.

Adapt menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and special requests.

Kitchen Operations & Compliance

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen that complies with food safety and hygiene regulations.

Prepare grocery lists and produce shopping

Monitor food inventory and order supplies while managing costs and minimizing waste.

Ensure proper storage and labeling of food items according to safety standards.

Maintain compliance with all local health department and food safety regulations.

Leadership & Team Management

Supervise and delegate, train, and support kitchen staff to ensure efficient operations, specific cooking techniques and prepping approach is followed

Schedule and oversee kitchen personnel, ensuring a positive and productive work environment.

Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide guidance for continuous improvement.

Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and high standards in food preparation.

Collaboration & Communication

Work closely with Smarties Academy staff and administration to align meal plans with educational goals.

Communicate effectively with administration regarding dietary needs, allergies, and meal options.

Engage with children positively to create a fun and enjoyable mealtime experience

Hands on in completing necessary tasks in case of an absence of kitchen personnel

Position Requirements:

Clear Bright from the Start Comprehensive Background Check

Education and Training

o Culinary School, associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

o Valid ServSafe

o 10 h Health and Safety Training

o Infant/ Child CPR and First Aid

o Fire Safety Training

o 4 hours of food and nutrition training

o Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar role in a school, daycare, or healthcare setting.

o Strong knowledge of child nutrition, food allergies, and holistic and wholesome dietary needs

o Understanding of health and safety regulations, and food safety protocols.

Skills Required

o Leadership experience with the ability to train, motivate, and manage a kitchen team.

o Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

o Passion for preparing healthy, delicious meals for young children.

o Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

o Prior experience in hot and cold food services and preparation

o Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

o Basic computer skills

o Excellent collaborative and teamwork skills

o Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, such as lifting up to 45 pounds, handling dishes, carrying and stocking groceries, transporting equipment, and delivering meals to classrooms