Kitchen Manager and Chef

Kitchen Manager and Chef at Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City oversees the daily lunch program in a kosher kitchen. The role includes menu planning, food preparation, purchasing, staff supervision, and overall kitchen management. The position also coordinates special event meals and collaborates closely with the Vaad HaKashruth of Kansas City.

• Plan, prepare, and serve creative and high‑quality menus for regular lunch program and special events.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including inventory control, food sourcing, and consistent delivery of dishes.
• Hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff, fostering a positive work environment and leading by example.
• Prepare budgets and manage food cost by reviewing regular financial statements and monitoring inventory.
• Uphold strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and kosher food rules.
• Build and maintain strong working relationship with the Vaad HaKashruth of Kansas City.
• Manage ordering of kosher ingredients with approved Hechshers and general supplies from vendors to ensure adequate stock levels.

• 2–3 years of experience managing a food site with batch cooking or catering as the primary business.
• Serve Safe certification preferred and required within the first 30 days.
• Excellent food preparation skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• General computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Knowledge of kosher food rules and requirements.
• Experience working with older adults, preferred.
• 1–2 years of supervisory experience with ability to multi‑task and maintain flexibility.
• Strong customer service skills with attention to the special needs of an older adult population.
• Formal culinary training, preferred.
• Team player with attributes of friendliness, reliability, flexibility, organization, honesty, and attention to detail.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with appetite to grow food service at The J.

• Medical, dental, vision, life, long‑term disability insurance
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Retirement plan with employer contribution and match
• Free family membership to the Fitness Center

• Stand, walk, and move around kitchen and service areas for up to 8–10 hours per shift.
• Lift, carry, and move objects up to 40–50 pounds.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for chopping, stirring, plating, and operating kitchen tools.
• Regularly reach, bend, stoop, and twist while working at counters, ovens, and storage areas.
• Hearing and communication in a loud, fast‑paced kitchen environment.
• Close and distance vision, color perception, and depth perception for food presentation and safety.
• Work in hot, humid conditions near ovens, stoves, dishwashing areas, and cold storage.
• Maintain focus, accuracy, and composure during busy service times or high‑pressure situations.

The J is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The J is Shabbat‑Observant Friendly.

The Mission Of The J Is To Build a Strong, Vibrant And Inclusive Community That Enhances Wellness, Meaning And Joy Based On Jewish Values, Heritage And Culture. The J Operates On These Values:

• Welcoming + Inclusive – We are welcoming, inclusive and nurturing.
• Building Community – We cultivate a sense of belonging in all we do.
• Enriching Mind + Body + Soul – We help individuals live a physically, intellectually, and emotionally healthy lifestyle.
• Passing on Jewish Culture + History – We celebrate and pass on the values, culture, history, and traditions of the Jewish people.
• Treat Others As You Wish To Be Treated – We treat everyone with respect, dignity and loving kindness.