Kitchen Manager/Lead Cook

Community Regional Charter School is accepting applications for a School Nutrition Program Kitchen Manager / Lead Cook

Full-Time | 10 month position (180-Days following school calendar)

Maine’s First Charter Public School (PreK–12)

Farm-to-Table | Scratch Cooking | National School Lunch Program

Maine’s First Charter Public School (PreK–12) is seeking a motivated, experienced Kitchen Manager / Lead Cook to lead our growing in-house school nutrition program.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about scratch cooking, child nutrition, local food systems, and building a positive kitchen culture. Our program serves approximately 200–300 meals daily and believes in a farm-to-table, from-scratch model with a strong focus on fresh, local, and school-grown ingredients.

We participate in the National School Lunch Program and are committed to providing healthy, high-quality meals students enjoy for lunch and breakfast.

The Kitchen Manager will oversee daily meal production, ordering, inventory, menu execution, staff supervision, and coordination with local farms and food vendors.

Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Prepare and oversee daily breakfast and lunch production for 200–300 students
• Lead scratch cooking and baking operations
• Ensure meals meet USDA school nutrition requirements
• Maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and HACCP procedures

Leadership & Management

• Supervise and support kitchen staff
• Create efficient prep and production schedules
• Foster a positive, team-oriented kitchen environment
• Train staff in food safety and meal service procedures

Menu Planning & Procurement

• Assist with seasonal menu planning
• Coordinate ordering and inventory management
• Build relationships with local farmers and food producers
• Incorporate locally grown and school-grown produce into menus whenever possible
• Monitor food costs and minimize waste

Compliance & Recordkeeping

• Maintain production records and temperature logs
• Support compliance with USDA National School Lunch and Breakfast Program standards
• Assist with administrative reviews and audits

Qualifications

• Experience preparing high-volume meals (200+ daily preferred)
• Experience managing or supervising kitchen staff
• Strong scratch cooking and baking skills
• Experience with ordering, inventory, and vendor communication
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Interest in farm-to-school and local food systems strongly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• School nutrition experience
• ServSafe certification
• Experience with USDA meal programs
• Experience working with local farms or seasonal menu planning

Position Details

• Full-time, 180-day school-year position
• Daytime schedule aligned with school calendar
• Health benefits included
• Competitive pay based on experience

About Our Program

Our school is building a nutrition program centered on:

• Scratch cooking
• Fresh, local ingredients
• Seasonal menus
• Farm-to-table partnerships
• Healthy meals students enjoy

We are looking for someone excited to help grow a meaningful, community-centered food program that supports students from PreK–12.

To Apply

Please submit:

• Resume
• Brief cover letter or statement of interest
• References

Applications accepted until position is filled.