Company description
Wayside works to improve community members’ quality of life by increasing access to food in Southern Maine through volunteer-driven, multifaceted programming and a collaborative, cross-industry network. The health and vibrancy of our community depends upon the physical, social, and economic well-being of all community members. Therefore, all our work is rooted in partnerships utilizing approaches that reinforce social connection, individual dignity, and limiting our impact on the natural environment. ¿
Our staff and volunteers come from backgrounds across sectors and share a commitment to using food as a means, not an end. Wayside’s objective is not limited to fighting hunger. We are committed to prioritizing mutuality, offering meaningful opportunities to contribute, and using food to bring people closer.
Job description
Kitchen Manager JOB DESCRIPTION: Wayside Food Programs is hiring a Kitchen Manager to join our team. This senior position is primarily responsible for planning and overseeing the preparation of our weekly Community Meals, special events through our Catering Collective, our annual Thanksgiving Dinner, summer Pop up Picnic series and other special events. The kitchen staff also process, portion, and vacu-seal bags of grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins for our Mobile Food Pantry Program. This position will work with and manage both volunteers and a Kitchen Assistant. The Kitchen Manager also works closely with the Warehouse Manager to procure food donations for meal planning, as well as the Community Programs Manager who oversees the Community Meals Program. More than 95% of the food prepared in the kitchen comes from our Food Rescue Program.
DUTIES INCLUDE: Scheduling and supervising a broad and diverse network of kitchen volunteers; Reviewing food donations each week and coordinating menus based on donations while managing a small purchasing budget; Working with other staff and community partners to order food and supplies for programs, while tracking purchases in a spreadsheet; Kitchen upkeep including equipment, cleaning schedule, tools, and food; Coordinating a meal delivery schedule and supervising the Kitchen Assistant; Coordinating food safety training for volunteers and community partners; Attending meetings and strategic planning sessions as needed.
REQUIREMENTS: Kitchen management experience/ & education; knowledge of nutrition and dietary standards a plus; Industrial Kitchen Experience a plus; Food safety knowledge and training-Serv Safe certification preferred; Volunteer/ Kitchen staff management; Experience cooking for groups of 50-250 and preparing food for delivery; Flexible to be creative in planning menus from food donations and last-minute adjustments based on available ingredients; Ability to keep volunteers engaged with meaningful tasks; Able to teach proper kitchen safety and cooking techniques to volunteers of varying skill levels
ABOUT WAYSIDE: Wayside Food Program is committed to bringing people together around the sharing of food. Our programs include Community Meals, Mobile Food Pantries, Pop up Picnics, and The Catering Collective. All our work is directed by our core values: Practice Inclusive Hospitality; Reflect Generosity; Cooperate & Reciprocate; Cultivate Relationships; Develop Innovative Solutions and Steward Responsibly. We believe that solutions to food insecurity require holistic approaches and collaboration, so everything Wayside does is in partnership with other organizations and groups. Wayside’s work culture includes creative decision making, flexibility, teamwork, respect, open communication, and inclusiveness. We encourage a healthy life/work balance that supports creative and intellectual growth and professional development
Compensation
this position is: hourly, $20/hr +
Application instructions
If you are not registered, you'll be prompted to do so. Don't worry, it's free!
Deadline
April 17, 2026