District Manager, Culinary Operations , North Jersey, NJ

Company: Red Rabbit
Location: Newark
Posted on: February 11, 2025

Job Description:

What do we doRed Rabbit is the largest Black owned K-12 School Food Management Company in the country. We work with hundreds of schools, districts, and food banks to uplift communities of color throughout the North East and Mid-Atlantic Regions.Our professionally trained chefs create menus, source farm fresh ingredients, and cook delicious, thoughtful, and familiar food. School food matters not only because it's integral to good health, but because what children eat is an essential part of their cultural identity and sense of self.About the RoleWe are looking for a District Manager to lead our regional onsite culinary teams. This role provides a unique opportunity to uplift communities of color by building school cafeterias that honor the heritage and history of Black and Latino food in America.The District Manager leads a team of 2-4 head chefs and 10-20 kitchen staff in the daily cooking and expediting of hundreds of meals in our school kitchens. Responsibilities are split between: Leadership, Customer Service, and Administrative Duties.The ideal candidate has a culinary background with significant experience leading dynamic teams with a service focus while embodying our commitment to uplifting and affirming the heritage of the children we serve. Success in this role requires the ability to work with the school administration to ensure their students are receiving culturally relevant, nutritious, safe meals that they enjoy.Critical Functions

• Leadership: Train, support, and coach Kitchen Leadership and team. Build an environment that upholds our kitchen culture of affirming children, service-centered and culinary excellence. Partner with the executive team to drive strategic company goals and with school administration to improve school satisfaction.
• School Partnership: Build and develop relationships with school leaders at various levels. Ensure a cordial and beneficial relationship is maintained with Head Chefs and school staff. Be creative in implementing ways to increase consumption and engage the school community and families at large regarding Red Rabbit's value add in the cafeteria.
• Administrative Duties: Communicate with Head Chefs and, as necessary, Kitchen Managers at the commissary kitchen on a daily basis to troubleshoot any in-the-moment issues, share best practices, preview upcoming menu changes, and solicit feedback. Ensure recipe development is done in tandem with food cost analysis to stay within budget. Maintain Red Rabbit's data information systems so that all kitchens are working from up-to-date information. Ensure DOH, CACFP, and NSLP compliance targets are met.Skills & Requirements
  • BA/BS degree in culinary arts or operations/management
  • 5+ years of professional culinary experience in a fast paced role either in the service industry (i.e. restaurant management) and/or managing high-volume kitchen production (i.e. commissary kitchen). Strong preference given to farm-to-table or scratch-cooking experience.
  • 2+ years must be in a senior management role with P&L or full budget responsibility.
  • Demonstrated understanding of food service financials, managing cost, defining budgets.
  • Must have Serv Safe certificate (or obtain within 90 days of hire).
  • Experience managing and training an exempt and non-exempt workforce.
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be able to travel between multiple Northern NJ locations.
  • Must be able to manage multiple competing priorities; highly organized, detail-oriented and analytical.
  • Must be reliable, function well within a team and work calmly and efficiently in a fast-moving environment.Additional InformationJob Type: Full TimeTypical Hours: Monday-FridayLocation: Newark, NJSalary: $60K - $75KBenefits:Generous PTOHealth, Dental, Vision Insurance401k OptionProfessional DevelopmentEducation Reimbursement OpportunitiesTravel ReimbursementsPaid Family Leave OptionsDisability Insurance CoverageAbout The CompanyRed Rabbit is growing fast - together we are changing the way an entire generation approaches food, through our whimsical menus, sustainable business practices and a focus on doing work that matters. If this sounds like the kind of company you want to be a part of, you may be the perfect fit!Pro tip: When applying to this job, note we value creativity in thinking and real problem-solving skills. Tell us how you've added value to a team in the past and why you want to join Red Rabbit.Red Rabbit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, or sexual orientation.
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Keywords: Red Rabbit, Newark , District Manager, Culinary Operations , North Jersey, NJ, Hospitality & Tourism , Newark, New Jersey