Food Service Manager

The Food Service Manager exists to lead, develop, and elevate Christian Healthcare Ministries' internal cafeteria program by providing healthy, appealing, and delicious meal options that support employee well-being, productivity, and community. This role is responsible for establishing high-quality lunch offerings at both the Portage and Hazelwood locations through a full-service salad bar, freshly prepared hot meals, and seasonal soups.

At the highest level, the Food Service Manager balances nutrition, employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, logistics, and cost-effectiveness while fostering a welcoming dining environment that boosts morale and reflects CHM's commitment to excellence, stewardship, and care for its employees. This position also serves as a catalyst for program growth leading the transition from primarily pre-prepared offerings to a scratch-cooking, full-service cafeteria model through staff training, thoughtful menu planning, and operational leadership.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Compensation based on experience.
• Faith and purpose-based career opportunity!
• Fully paid health benefits
• Retirement and Life Insurance
• 12 paid holidays PLUS birthday
• Lunch is provided DAILY.
• Professional Development
• Paid Training

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage cafeteria operations by overseeing daily food preparation, service execution, kitchen workflow, and staffing to ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and hospitality.
• Develop and implement menu strategy that delivers fresh, nutritious, and appealing meals, including a full-service salad bar, weekly hot lunches, and seasonal soups, aligned with employee needs and organizational goals.
• Train and develop food service staff by equipping Food Service Attendants with the skills needed for scratch cooking, food presentation, salad bar preparation, and safe food handling practices.
• Ensure food quality and consistency through standardized recipes, cycle menus, and preparation processes that promote efficiency and reliability.
• Manage food costs and inventory by forecasting demand, controlling waste, streamlining purchasing, and maintaining proper storage and inventory practices.
• Maintain food safety and regulatory compliance by upholding sanitation standards, conducting routine safety checks, and ensuring staff adherence to hygiene and hazard prevention protocols.
• Enhance employee experience and company culture by creating a welcoming cafeteria environment that promotes community, well-being, and morale.
• Support administrative and budget oversight by tracking food service expenses, schedules, and operational needs in collaboration with Facilities and HR.
• Promote sustainability and stewardship initiatives by reducing food waste, sourcing seasonal or local ingredients when feasible, and supporting environmentally responsible practices.
• Train and develop food service staff by teaching Food Service Attendants how to prepare menu items from scratch, maintain a full-service salad bar, and follow standardized recipes and preparation methods.
• Deliver high-quality food and presentation by ensuring meals are fresh, properly seasoned, visually appealing, and consistently prepared.
• Control food costs and minimize waste through strategic menu planning, demand forecasting, inventory management, and responsible portioning.
• Streamline purchasing and inventory processes by establishing structured menus, consistent ingredient lists, bulk purchasing practices, and reliable supplier relationships.
• Optimize food preparation and service flow by implementing cycle menus, standardized recipes, and efficient serving-line designs to improve speed of service and reduce congestion.
• Enhance employee productivity and focus by providing nutritious meal options that support sustained energy and overall well-being.
• Strengthen company culture and community by creating a welcoming dining environment that encourages connection and demonstrates CHM's care for its employees.
• Promote sustainability and stewardship by reducing food waste, sourcing seasonal or local ingredients when feasible, and supporting environmentally responsible practices.

CORE COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

• Food service operations management
• Menu planning and culinary execution
• Staff training and development
• Inventory control and cost management
• Food safety and sanitation compliance
• Process improvement and operational efficiency
• Cross-functional communication and collaboration

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & CONSIDERATIONS

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Culinary, hospitality, or food service training a plus; equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience leading food service operations in a cafeteria, institutional kitchen, catering, or similar environment required.
• Demonstrated experience training staff and improving food quality, efficiency, or service delivery.

Certifications

• ServSafe Manager certification preferred.
• Must be obtained within a designated timeframe after hire if not currently held.
• Additional Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Alignment with CHM's mission, Statement of Beliefs, and commitment to serving others.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience leading operational or culinary program growth.
• Familiarity with vendor management, procurement, and sustainability practices.

About Christian Healthcare Ministries

Founded in 1981, Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) is a health care sharing ministry for Christians. CHM is a nonprofit, voluntary cost-sharing ministry through which participating Christians meet each other's medical bills. The mission of CHM is to glorify God, show Christian love, and experience God's presence as Christians share each other's medical bills.