Kitchen Manager

Harlem Children's Zone

Apply to this job
New York, New York, US on site Until 10/4/2026 2+ years exp First posted March 18, 2026 Last posted August 5, 2026
Job description

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Kitchen Manager with the Promise Academy Kitchen Department.

The Kitchen Manager (Lead Cook) will bring a passion for the mission of Harlem Children’s Zone: break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on-the-ground programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life.

The Kitchen Manager at the Harlem Children’s Zone is a supervisor role overseeing the culinary team. Responsible for overseeing daily cooking and food preparation according to recipes and production guidelines; while adhering to food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The Kitchen Manager will be responsible for oversight or delegation of responsibilities within the culinary operation. 

For more information, check out Want to Work at Harlem Children’s Zone? Here’s 7 Things You Need to Know.

Requirements

  • Minimum three years of high-volume cooking experience and two years of kitchen management experience leading a staff of 8 or more
  • Valid NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate 
  • High School Diploma or GED  
  • Ability to cook a wide variety of foods

Who You Are

  • Formal culinary training degree or certification preferred
  • Strong communication skills verbal and written
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Able to communicate with individuals at all levels of the corporation 
  • Ability to be organized in a changing environment
  • Ability to maintain a calm professional demeanor during periods of uncertainty or crisis 
  • Holds a valid NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate  
  • Stand for extended periods
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds
  • Frequent exposure to climate change  
  • Serves great food with great service and a great attitude
  • Projects and assignments are completed thoroughly, professionally, and with care promptly
  • Adjusts to high-pressure situations and is open to change  
  • Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development  
  • Always conducts themselves (acts & dresses) professionally while setting the standard for all Team Members  
  • Understands and communicates the HCZ Mission and Core Values
  • Expresses ideas and conveys information clearly, effectively, and professionally

What You'll Do

  • Trains and educates new Team Members on HCZs culture, philosophies, standards, and operations.  
  • Creates an experience that every guest will seek to repeat.   
  • Manages all Team Members under their supervision, including counseling, disciplining, and scheduling.   
  • Responsible for placing orders pertaining to the kitchen.   
  • Maintains clean and safe working conditions in the kitchen.  
  • Controls cost by constantly training and educating Team Members.  
  • Attends weekly management meetings and hosts daily team meetings.  
  • Builds teamwork among Team Members and fellow Managers.  
  • Creates a fun and energetic environment.  

Schedule 

  • Monday-Friday 
  • Time: 6:30 AM- 2:30 PM 

Benefits

As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive. We offer highly competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for growth.

Our exceptional full-time benefits include: 

  • Highly competitive base salaries
  • Paid time off 
  • Employee referral bonus 
  • Career Advancement
  • No-cost health insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-and long-term disability
  • Additional voluntary benefits
  • Wellness discounts
  • Commuter benefits
  • Financial wellness perks
  • Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.)

The salary range for this position is $55,000-$61,000 per year. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

#INDPSJ

About this role

Summary

Oversee food prep, manage kitchen staff, ensure safety and quality standards.

Job title

Kitchen Manager

Experience level

2+ years

Minimum experience

2+ years exp

Industry

education

Location requirements

New York, NY, USA; on-site work only

Salary

$55k–$61k

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

kitchen managementfood safetyteam leadershipfood preparation

Preferred skills

culinary trainingcommunication skillsorganization

Specializations

culinary managementfood safetyfood preparation
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

New York, NY, USA

On-site City