Kitchen Coordinator

Job description

Life.Church wants to make a lasting difference in your life, in our community, and in the world. Our mission is to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. That's how we’re able to make a difference, and it's the driving force behind everything we do. The StaffKids Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all food-related operations within the StaffKids program. This includes planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks, managing kitchen inventory and ordering, and ensuring full compliance with Department of Human Services (DHS) and health department standards. This role partners closely with the StaffKids Operations team to support daily programming, enhance the overall food experience for children, and contribute to a safe, clean, and engaging environment. This role is responsible for providing operational and administrative support in coordination with StaffKids efforts to further Life.Church’s mission and reach people for Christ. What You'll Do Execute Daily Food Preparation and Service Plan, prepare, and serve daily lunches and snacks. Manage food prep, portioning, and classroom distribution in partnership with the Operations Team. Prep ingredients and meals in advance to support efficient daily service. Maintain and update recipes, quantities, and meal feedback for continuous improvement. Assist with food preparation and support for program events as needed. Design and Evolve Menus and Program Experience Develop and distribute monthly lunch menus and rotating snack menus. Evaluate and improve menu offerings based on nutrition, cost, and variety. Incorporate seasonal themes, curriculum tie-ins, and special events into meal planning. Introduce new recipes and creative approaches to enhance the food experience. Communicate menus, updates, and allergy information to staff and families. Support parent engagement through food-related communication and content. Manage Inventory, Ordering, and Vendor Relationships Lead ordering of groceries and kitchen supplies (e.g., US Foods, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Amazon). Maintain accurate inventory and appropriate stock levels. Monitor expiration dates and ensure proper food rotation. Build and maintain vendor relationships to ensure quality and cost efficiency. Ensure Food Safety, Compliance, and Kitchen Standards Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times. Ensure proper food handling, storage, and labeling procedures are followed. Maintain Food Handler’s Certification and ensure DHS compliance. Own kitchen inspections and ensure adherence to all regulatory standards. Support event setup and teardown when applicable. Skills Needed to Succeed Excellent organizational and time management skills. Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail, especially related to cleanliness and compliance. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a shared workspace and partner well with multiple teams. Initiative to identify improvements and implement new ideas. Experience in food preparation, preferably in high-volume or childcare settings. Knowledge of child nutrition and age-appropriate meal planning. Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations. Creativity in menu planning and program engagement. High School Diploma or GED required. Food Handler’s Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire). 1-3 years experience in food service, kitchen management, or childcare setting preferred.