Food Service Manager

Job Description: Meals on Wheels Food Service Coordinator

Position Overview

The Meals on Wheels Food Service Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the efficient operation and management of the Meals on Wheels program by serving as the program’s chef and kitchen manager. This position oversees the Meals on Wheels Kitchen, including meal planning and preparation, inventory control, kitchen operations, food safety, and meal deliveries, and assists the program manager with volunteer coordination, community outreach, and budgeting to ensure that clients receive nutritious meals and compassionate service.

Chain of Command

The Food Service Coordinator reports directly to the Program Manager, ensuring clear oversight and guidance in all aspects of the Meals on Wheels program. The Food Service Coordinator works in close collaboration with kitchen staff, delivery drivers, and volunteers. This collaboration is essential for maintaining efficient daily operations and effective communication across all parts of the program, during and in the absence of the program manager.

As a key liaison, the Food Service Coordinator facilitates the flow of information among the kitchen, delivery team, clients, vendors, and partners. This position ensures that clients’ dietary needs are met, delivery schedules are maintained, and issues are promptly addressed. The Food Service Coordinator plays a crucial role in supporting teamwork, promoting a smooth workflow throughout the Meals on Wheels program, and nurturing community relations.

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation and Delivery: Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, presentation, and distribution; ware washing; delivery routes and resolution of delivery issues as they arise.
• Menu Planning and Inventory: Develop and design innovative menus that reflect the nutrition needs and preferences of clients. Order food and supplies based on approved menus and operational needs.
• Program Support: Assist the Program Manager with daily operations including scheduling, logistics, and meal distribution.
• Volunteer Coordination: Help recruit, train, and schedule volunteers; communicate assignments; and relay important updates.
• Safety and Quality Assurance: Adhere to and monitor food safety practices and regulations, maintain appropriate certifications and documentation, and ensure a clean and organized kitchen environment. Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation while working within budgetary guidelines. Ensure each client’s meals align with dietary guidelines, restrictions and preferences.
• Client Services: Respond to client inquiries, update client records, and ensure that dietary needs and delivery preferences are accurately recorded.
• Team Building: Foster a positive team environment that encourages creativity and collaboration among kitchen staff and volunteers.
• Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate documentation of inventory, orders, deliveries, cleaning schedules, equipment operations and maintenance, work hours, client feedback, and program statistics. Prepare reports for the Program Manager related to performance, operations, challenges, and client satisfaction.
• Community Engagement: Assist with outreach activities, events, fundraising, and communication to promote and support the Meals on Wheels program.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Dependability, timeliness, and flexibility.
• Previous experience cooking in a restaurant, catering, or feeding program. Social services, nonprofit, nutrition, administrative, and supervisory experience are a plus.
• Ability to follow recipes, prep and cook independently, adhering to dietary restrictions and preferences.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
• Basic computer skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Commitment to serving seniors and vulnerable populations with compassion.
• ServeSafe certification or acquisition of certification within 45 days of employment.

Working Conditions

• This is an hourly part-time position, typically Monday through Friday mornings, 20 - 30 hours per week.
• Some local travel may be required for deliveries, meetings, or outreach events.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.
• Primary workspace is a kitchen.

Compensation

This position is compensated on an hourly basis. The starting pay rate ranges from $8 to $14 per hour, with the exact amount determined by the candidate’s experience level.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the Meals on Wheels Food Service Coordinator position. Applications can be sent to Shenango Valley Meals on Wheels at [email protected].

Pay: $8.00 - $14.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid training

Work Location: In person