Assistant Kitchen Manager

Summary of Job:

The Assistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) efficiently manages the flow of items into and out of the kitchen inventory. The AKM measures current inventory, planned usage and actual usage, and orders all food accordingly and within the kitchen budget. The AKM provides direct support and mentoring to Retreat Cooks as needed and acts as the Manager on Duty when the KM is out. The AKM holds primary responsibility for overseeing the equipment and facilities needs of the kitchen. The AKM models behavior that supports mindfulness practice in the retreat environment at all times. Together the KM and AKM make up the leadership team for Spirit Rock’s kitchen with the KM holding primary responsibility.

Specific Responsibilities:

Kitchen Operations

• Cultivates strong ongoing relationships with purveyors and vendors. Recommends new purveyors and vendors as opportunities arise for new or improved partnerships.
• Maintains Weekly Order Guide.
• Orders all dry goods, refrigerated goods, and catering needs for retreats and special events.
• Receives orders and organizes their storage. Trains and supervises those who participate in this task integrating food safety protocols and safe lifting procedures.
• Notifies KM of availability of seasonal and local produce, and monitors food trends.
• Monitors inventory usage to ensure compliance with planned inventory levels. Alerts KM to overages/shortages and recommends adjustments to menus accordingly.
• Communicates available produce for Cooks to use.
• Shops for equipment, specialty food items, and last-minute needs.

Kitchen Staff 

• Functions as “manager on duty” when KM is not present.
• Understands staffing framework and software for the KIT and can step into scheduling requests when KM is absent. 
• Fills in for Cooks as needed. 
• Trains retreatants in work meditation practice as needed.
• Attends Opening Day meetings and regular Kitchen Staff meetings.

Kitchen Facilities & Equipment 

• Oversees organization of all kitchen inventory spaces: reach-in refrigerator, walk-in refrigerator, freezer, dry storage areas, kitchen basement and crawlspace.
• Ensures that all food safety and sanitation practices conform with county public health laws and OSHA regulations; be available for inspections as needed.
• Ensures the cleanliness, safety, tidiness, and functionality of Dining Hall and Kitchen.
• Manages ongoing maintenance budget and performs maintenance and repairs on equipment as needed.
• Identifies equipment repair and replacement issues. Secures budget estimates and organizes logistics for equipment replacement and repair. 

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Orders food-related supplies for Retreat Staff, Hospitality and Guest Services (HuGS) and other departments as needed.
• Manages event rentals such as tables, linens, glassware and/or equipment, and coordinates with Facilities and Retreat Operations for drop-off, set-up and return.
• Cultivates vendor relationships with external caterers and rental suppliers.

Organizational

• Tracks weekly kitchen expenses, and submits reports and invoices to KM.
• Attends Spirit Rock All-Staff meetings, Quarterly Staff Sangha gatherings, and other organization-wide trainings and events.
• Organizes and participates in the Spirit Rock Kitchen Staff Dharma program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum one year of experience in high-volume ordering and purchasing.
• One to two years of experience as a personnel manager. 
• One to two years of experience as a lead cook.
• Experience in preparation of high-volume, high quality whole foods. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of organic, sustainable and seasonal whole food ingredients and sources.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Current ServSafe Food Manager's Certificate.

• Well-organized and detail-oriented with the ability to take responsibility for and follow through on projects assigned in an ever-changing and fast-paced environment.
• Strong computer skills and experience, including MS Windows, MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, and Recipe Management software.
• Physical stamina and ability to work up to 8 hours in the kitchen and to lift 50 pounds.
• Background or sincere interest in the exploration of bringing mindfulness practice to all activities of daily life.

Reports to: Kitchen Manager (KM)

Employment Status: Full-time (37.5 hours/week) / non-exempt

Schedule: 5 days/week including one weekend day, early morning shift start time (approx. 6am-2pm) with flexibility for occasional evening work

Compensation: $75K - $79k/year

Benefits:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Retreat time accrual

Spirit Rock is an equal opportunity employer, and we place a high value on workforce diversity; qualified candidates who self-identify as a Person of Color and/or are part of the LGBTQIA+ community are encouraged to apply.

Please note, our organization is unable to support visa sponsorship at this time.