Manager, Contract Meals & Nutrition
Employment Type : Full-Time
ABOUT DC CENTRAL KITCHEN:
DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. Our approach provides hands-on culinary job training while creating living-wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed in our city. We serve scratch-cooked farm-to-school meals in DC schools; deliver fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets; provide delicious catering; and operate fast-casual cafes. Above all else, we are committed to creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive community, both outside our doors and right here on our team. We strive to offer a safe environment to learn, discover, and develop individual strengths and pursue meaningful career pathways. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we recognize and work to address the lasting effects of historic injustices and systemic racism, and we strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ people, returning citizens, and people who have experienced poverty or homelessness to apply to join our team.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
The Contract Meals and Nutrition department is responsible for all aspects of DC Central Kitchen’s nutrition programs, services, and activities, including but not limited to menu planning, nutrition education, budgeting, etc. This department also manages program compliance with relevant federal, state, and local policies, regulations, and procedures; facilitates effective business relationships with clients; and drives value through efficient service operations for contract meal programs including CACFP, School Foods, and Community meals. This department includes our School Foods and Community Meals programs, as well as our Nutrition services.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Manager, Contract Meals and Nutrition will work in a leadership role, driving regulatory and standard operating procedures for all our contract meal programs, including School Foods and Community Meals. Our goal is to ensure a consistent, quality product line while delivering unprecedented customer service. The Manager will report directly to the Director, Contract Meals and Nutrition, ensuring that proper record-keeping and compliance with all Local, State, and Federal guidelines are maintained. This position will assist the Director in nurturing new business leads with other area schools and institutions. Working with the Director and the management team, the Manager will represent the organization in relevant forums across the region, presenting on our local initiatives. There will be opportunities to network directly with local area businesses, non-profits, and media to foster relationships and further business partnerships.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Independently manage projects involving setting meal production and distribution schedules, ensuring that they are followed, ensuring excellent meal quality and customer service, managing contractors and vendors, staff management and development, and responsible budget management.
- Mentor, coach, train, and develop new and existing employees, including our Nutrition Specialist, Nutrition Education Coordinator, and dietetic interns. Create a positive and constructive work environment, where members of the team are engaged and feel supported.
- In collaboration with our Director, Culinary Operations, Director, Procurement, Nutrition Specialist, and other nutrition and dietetics staff and interns, oversee the creation of breakfast, lunch, and supper menus for all programs.
- Create and implement DCCK nutrition education programs and activities, including nutrition and satisfaction programs.
- Develop and execute programs and activities that will drive participation in nutrition programming across DCCK contract partners.
- Collaborate with the Director in the development and success of our school food service program and partner meals program including the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) regulations.
- Contribute to the process of setting strategic priorities for existing and developing programs. Monitor progress towards the program and department goals and objectives throughout the year.
- Ensure each school and partner agency is compliant with DCCK Policies and Procedures, State, Local, and Federal Policies and Procedures, Production Sheets, Edit Checks, Meal Accountability, Ordering, and Financial Accountability.
- Cultivate and manage positive relationships and partnerships between DCCK and clients, partners, and relevant stakeholder groups involved in all contract meal programs.
- Facilitate the planning and implementation of DCPS and Partner Agency programs, meetings, and events that will further the growth of the programs.
- Perform other duties and tasks as required to maintain quality relationships with all our partners and customers and/or duties and tasks needed to drive the vision, mission, and values of DC Central Kitchen.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prior supervisory experience in school or institutional food service
- Registered Dietitian in District of Columbia or state with reciprocity
- Extensive familiarity with management of all related USDA programs and regulations
- Knowledgeable of local and sustainable initiatives
- Knowledge and prior experience of K-12 school food service is preferred
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Mosaic and similar dietary software
- Demonstrated cultural competence and a commitment to the mission and values of DC Central Kitchen
- Must be inspired to teach, mentor, and develop emerging talent, including graduates of the Culinary Job Training program that are just entering the hospitality field
- Displays consistent professional and interpersonal leadership skills
- Must have the ability to work well under pressure and lead by example
- Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, front-line personnel, as well as the client
- Ability to coordinate off-site events as well as work evenings and weekends when applicable and deemed necessary
- Committed to continuous learning and ongoing improvement and is self-motivated
- Bachelors’ degree and at least 4 – 6 years of related experience OR equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Current ServSafe® Managers Certification or completion within 90 days of hire
- Valid Driver’s License
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- The incumbent must be capable of independent local travel.
- The incumbent must be able to attend occasional night and weekend events.
- The incumbent may occasionally move Audio/Visual and other office equipment or lightweight items weighing up to 20 pounds for various meeting and event needs. Some functions of this position may require moderate physical activity, including transporting, positioning, installing, or removing office equipment items, such as printers, computers, phones, and so on.
- The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office and commercial kitchen space to access supplies, materials, file cabinets, office machinery, etc.; constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; constantly positions self to access and maintain computer equipment, and must be able to remain in a stationary position for at least 50% of the time.
- The incumbent must be able to work in an environment where exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, fumes, dirt, smoke, loud noise, and a variety of odors is common.
- This job description is subject to change at any time.
BENEFITS:
- Medical and dental insurance (DCCK pays 100% of employee premiums for individual coverage)
- Vision Insurance
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and personal leave)
- 8 Company Paid Holidays
- Bonding Leave for new parents
- Commuter Benefits plan
- Matching 401(k) program
- Basic Life & Supplemental Life
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Wellness Reimbursement program
NOTE:
This document is an outline of the primary tasks assigned and may be changed at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. All team members are expected to assist DC Central Kitchen in achieving its goals even if such tasks are beyond the scope of this outline. The job description does not constitute an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
DC Central Kitchen is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and a Strengths-based organization.