About:  The Envision Shared Kitchen is a shared use commercial kitchen designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their food businesses. The ESK is attached to our Envision Unlimited center based in Westtown - a center committed to providing persons with disabilities or other special needs quality services which promote choice, independence, and community integration. 

Shared Kitchen Manager Role:  The Shared Kitchen Manager for the ESK manages the overall operations and programs of the Shared Kitchen and works in collaboration with the center’s directors and staff.  The manager must have a combination of kitchen/facility operational skills combined with excellent communication skills.  A project manager, planner, and a doer.  And, the manager must understand that food is a diverse community, and be able and excited to work with people from all backgrounds, abilities, and interests to build a community of clients for the Shared Kitchen.  Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, those listed below.

Shared Kitchen Manager Responsibilities (General):

• Oversee operation of  kitchen - including equipment, security and access.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local codes specific to facility and tenant licensing.
• Maintain shared kitchen schedule, reservations, storage rentals, records and payment systems
• Identify and implement operational and process improvements.
• Work with Envision Unlimited staff to ensure the kitchen operates to meet or exceed monthly budget projections
• Manage the tenant application process, tours and onboarding.
• Assist with the cleaning, deep cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment and the kitchen facility as needed - ensuring all equipment is working properly and repair schedules are met.
• Train tenants on kitchen operations, safety and maintenance and ensure compliance and understanding.
• Train tenants on sanitary food handling methods, tenant cleaning, and kitchen use policies and procedures, and ensure compliance and understanding.

Shared Kitchen Manager Responsibilities (Programming):

• Facilitate and participate in outreach efforts designed to target new tenancy.
• Maintain, nurture, and develop industry and community partner relationships in collaboration with the Envision staff to support tenancy and revenue for the kitchen.
• Facilitate and participate in collaborative efforts with the Envision staff to support EU clients with volunteer or job creation opportunities in the kitchen.
• Facilitate and participate in collaborative efforts with the Envision staff to support EU clients and EU staff’s use of the Shared Kitchen to support EU programming, fundraising, or events.
• Facilitate and participate in collaborative efforts with the Envision staff to Identify programming or revenue-generating opportunities within the space and community

Success will be measured in part by the following:

• Consistent Utilization rates for the Shared Kitchen Space (above 65% on average).
• Maintenance targets for upkeep of the facility, equipment, and operational space.
• Operational targets for upkeep of licensing, and oversight of key functions.

Required Skills:

• Strong organizational skills, with a focus on time management and the ability to multi-task
• Minimum of 2 years of professional kitchen, commissary kitchen, or shared kitchen experience and/or culinary training
• Manager Level Food Safety Certificate and basic understanding of City of Chicago Food Codes & Policies
• Exposure to or understanding of Shared Kitchen Licensing codes & policies:  to include City/State requirements, HAACP Plans, and inspection protocol
• Exposure to or understanding of safety, and basic sanitation needs for a shared kitchen/culinary/manufacturing space
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility, creativity and capacity to work both independently and collaboratively
• Computer skills to maintain records and required software.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field (preferred).
• Ability to work with tenants from diverse backgrounds, differing skill levels, and with different challenges
• Interest, Understanding, and commitment to the mission of Envision Unlimited

Wage & Salary Offerings:

• This is a full-time exempt position, including a base salary offer (dependent on experience) + a benefits package
• Flexible Schedule & Paid Time Off