Job Description

Kitchen Manager

Department: Kennedy Emergency Shelter
Reports To: Assistant Director of Operations
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

About Us

Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots response to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since our inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs while partnering with government agencies, private organizations, and community members.

Today, Shelter House is a respected nonprofit organization with more than 100 employees dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the past year alone, our compassionate team positively impacted the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of whom were children.

Our culture is built upon our core values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)

About the Role

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the efficient, safe, and effective operation of the Kennedy Shelter commercial kitchen. This role oversees menu planning, meal preparation, inventory management, volunteer coordination, and supervision of kitchen staff to ensure high-quality meal services for shelter residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals in accordance with federal and state nutritional guidelines.
• Supervise full-time, part-time, and on-call kitchen staff.
• Provide hands-on training, coaching, and ongoing support to kitchen team members.
• Monitor kitchen supplies and maintain accurate inventories, including perishable items and USDA commodities, while operating within budget.
• Manage the food budget and place food and supply orders.
• Plan for increased food needs during hypothermia season.
• Ensure proper cleaning, maintenance, and sanitation of kitchen facilities and equipment in compliance with health department regulations.
• Coordinate community food donations, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports for the Community Coordinator.
• Collaborate with leadership to review and update kitchen Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Monitor and support kitchen volunteers.
• Attend required Shelter House meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Utilize Microsoft Workspace applications, including Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Docs, as part of daily operations.
• Model a caring, respectful, and supportive approach while upholding shelter policies and resident guidelines.
• Serve in an on-call capacity to address kitchen coverage needs.
• Develop and implement inclement weather plans for kitchen operations and staffing.
• Demonstrate Shelter House core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two or more years of professional cooking experience.
• Experience working in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Current ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain and maintain certification.
• Kitchen management or supervisory experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Annual TB test required.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing 10–20 pounds.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with a 4% employer match.
• 13 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays.
• The opportunity to take your birthday off.
• Two semi-annual team-building events.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (40 and over), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to an individual's ability to perform the essential functions of the position, or any other legally protected status.

Shelter House provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, pregnant employees, and employees requesting accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants and employees requiring accommodations should contact the Human Resources Department.

Drug-Free Workplace

Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace.

All applicable subcontracts and purchase orders exceeding $10,000 must also include provisions supporting a drug-free workplace.