Job Purpose: The Culinary Excellence and Procurement Manager is responsible for the food procurement and production planning process for Centers for Independence food service operations. This leader will ensure that our organization is focused on procuring and producing the highest quality meals for our community. Working in collaboration with the Director, this role will facilitate supply chain partnerships to provide high quality, local and/or regional products for meals served to students in the National School Lunch Program. In addition, the Culinary Excellence and Procurement Manager will work with our Dietitians to help design new menu items and serve as the Culinary Excellence subject matter expert to contribute to advancing the total health of our community.

Essential Job Functions:

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.)

Creates and manages vendor application process with Director including identifying local and regional sources for fresh foods, determining required specifications and credentials, arranging meetings with prospective vendors. Identifies and collaborates with supply chain players in procurement processes. Facilitates RFP/bid and/or procurement processes in compliance with USDA nutrition and procurement standards, including researching pricing and costs and leading testing and evaluation before final procurement. Assists with menu planning, recipe development, staff training for preparation, and student taste-testing in support of showcasing local products. Facilitates purchase and works collaboratively with team to ensure compliance with specifications, product quality, and conformity to process. Works collaboratively with the Food and Nutrition Services Leadership team to ensure a cohesive production process and a focus on total health. Leads food safety compliance program and training of cooks and culinary staff, inspiring excellent customer service and developing teams Coordinates meal counts and completion of production tools. Actively participates in the marketing process and represents the mission and vision of our program in a positive nature. Aligns the direction, products services, and performance of a business line with the rest of the organization. Performs special assignments and or projects as assigned.