School Kitchen Lead

Job Summary

The part-time School Kitchen Lead oversees the day-to-day operations of the high school kitchen, ensuring the timely preparation and service of nutritious meals in compliance with federal, state, and district guidelines. This role supports the VP of Finance & Operations designee by coordinating kitchen staff, maintaining safety and cleanliness standards, and ensuring efficient meal service for students and staff. Assists in preparing, cooking, and serving meals according to planned menus and standardized recipes. Leads and supports the kitchen staff to ensure smooth, timely, and efficient kitchen operations.

Essential Functions

• Assist in preparing, cooking, and serving meals according to planned menus and standardized recipes.
• Lead and support kitchen staff to ensure smooth, timely, and efficient kitchen operations.
• Oversee food portioning, presentation, and proper food handling procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of meal counts, inventory, and food temperatures.
• Ensure compliance with USDA meal pattern requirements and school nutrition policies.
• Monitor and maintain kitchen cleanliness, food safety, and sanitation standards (HACCP).
• Receive, inspect, and store food and supply deliveries; rotate stock as needed.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff in best practices for food prep, safety, and customer service.
• Communicate effectively with the food service manager, school staff, and vendors as needed.
• Report equipment maintenance needs and assist in troubleshooting kitchen issues.
• Schedule and assign daily tasks to kitchen team members.
• Provide excellent customer service to students, staff, and guests.
• Other duties as assigned by the VP of Finance & Operations designee.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• A high school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in school food service or institutional kitchen setting.
• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role preferred.
• Valid ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Knowledge of child nutrition guidelines and food safety regulations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) a plus [optional depending on school population].
• Ability to consistently maintain a warm, welcoming presence in the servery to students and staff, even in a fast-paced, demanding environment
• Self-starter requiring minimal supervision
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and efficiently as an individual
• Experience with PC applications and the use of Google Suite and other software applications as needed
• Experience with PowerSchool software is preferred
• Ability to organize, prioritize, schedule and complete job-related tasks efficiently
• Commitment to the Mission and Values of CRJHS.
• Sensitivity to the ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds of the student body
• Ability to work in a faith-based organization

Work Environment

This role operates in a commercial kitchen environment with exposure to hot surfaces, sharp tools, and cleaning chemicals. Requires adherence to health and safety standards at all times.

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School is part of a national network of 41 high schools that transform urban education through a unique integration of college-prep academics, professional experience, and spiritual formation, with a focus on students of limited financial means. As a private, Catholic, Jesuit high school serving 450 students, Cristo Rey Jesuit's mission is to provide an affordable Catholic secondary education with a college-prep curriculum and a Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) to prepare graduates for success in college, work, and life.

The Cristo Rey team believes that a sound intellect is only one important component of preparation for college and life. Through both their CWSP experience and intentional opportunities for character and spiritual growth within the school day, Cristo Rey students develop the work ethic, resilience, confidence, empathy, openness to growth, and commitment to justice that help ensure their long-term success and enable them to lead by example.

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School provides equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, or national origin.