Assistant Director Food Services and Stores

Perkins helps children with disabilities find their place in the world. An international NGO, we are committed to delivering best-in-class education to children, providing immersive training and support to professionals and families, advocating for inclusion, and accelerating innovation for people with disabilities. At Perkins, we think courageously, act collaboratively, and we own our work. Join a supportive community committed to growth where your work makes a difference.

What you can expect as our Assistant Director of Food Services and Stores:

As our Assistant Director of Food Services and Stores, you will oversee the kitchens and storeroom - our central distribution warehouse that services our students and staff on our Watertown campus. Central focus is on quality service to our community and fiscal responsibility in ordering and distribution of products. 

The Assistant Director will oversee food prep, kitchen production, picking, storage, receiving, dispatching, security, maintenance, sanitation, and administrative functions. You will oversee, train, evaluate and reward staff. Ensure the maintenance of the equipment in the Storeroom and kitchens that’s used by our staff. The Assistant Director of Food Services and Stores will also assist the Director in, and be prepared to step up in their and kitchen staff absence, the planning and distribution of labor, materials, supervision, and substitution when necessary for preparing meals in three main kitchens/dining areas on campus. 

How you will make an impact:

• Oversight of daily operations regarding all aspects of Perkins School for the Blind Storeroom and kitchens.
• Execute a highly professional storeroom and kitchen including equipment maintenance scheduling, timely deliveries, and staff behaviors/culture. 
• Management of Storeroom:
  • inventory and cycling
  • Produce and Protein platform purchasing development and execution with guidance from Director. 
  • Follows proper receiving and storage procedures
• Meets Director’s expectations in accordance with Perkins Food Service Standards, OSHA and other state and federal public health regulations. 
• Identifies and creates opportunities for improvements in ordering, distribution, inventory management, delivery of goods, kitchen prep and production.
• In collaboration with the Director, confers with the school's Nutritionist on developing and updating an appropriate inventory of food items to be available to the student population in adherence with our policies and procedures around special diets, allergies and other food restrictions. 
• Works with cottage supervisory staff to ensure that orders are placed according to predetermined parts, scheduled and delivered in a timely manner.
• In collaboration with the Director, manages the ordering of goods for catering functions as well as the set up, delivery and maintenance of functions as within Food Services and Stores purview.
• To perform other related duties and tasks as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  
• Experience with Workday Procurement, SchoolDude(now Brightly) applications, Google. Ability to learn a variety of software applications as needed. 
• Ability to supervise multi-kitchens operations in association with the Director of Food Services.
• Ability to train employees and develop internal labor pipelines.
• Ability to research best practices and update policies
• Strong customer service skills
• Outstanding organizational, multi tasking and problem solving skills. 

Supervision Responsibilities:

• General Management:
  • Directly supervises employees in the Storeroom and Kitchen areas. 
  • In conjunction with the Director will participate in interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
  • Ensures that equipment is maintained properly. Reporting to the Director in case of maintenance.
• Interfaces with internal support teams and outside vendors. 

Education and/or Experience:     

• High School Diploma required, Associates/Bachelors Degree preferred in logistics, supply chain management, hospitality, or business. Candidates with life/work experience in lieu of formal education are encouraged to apply..
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in warehouse or multi unit food service operations with at least two (2) years of supervisory experience 
• Food Safety Experience: ServSafe certified (will support acquisition of the certification for the right candidate) 
• Valid Driver's License.

Physical Demands 

Must be able to lift 50 lbs. for a school kitchen and warehouse environment

Work Environment 

Normal for school environment; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The following shared salary range is what Perkins reasonably expects, in good faith, to pay for the position. The applicable range could differ based on experience and qualification.

Perkins offers a comprehensive benefits package for part time and full time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Wellness programs available.

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) 

• Flexible Spending Accounts 

• Employer-Paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• 401(k) Plan with employer match 

• Education Benefits: Tuition reimbursement day one

• Paid Time Off

• Extras: Employee Recognition Programs, EAP, legal services, referral bonuses, credit union access, pre-tax MBTA passes and more!

Perkins is a mission-driven community that supports your well-being at work and beyond. We are located in the heart of Watertown, adjacent to the Charles River and less than 1 mile from food & entertainment at Arsenal Yards.

Perkins is an equal opportunity employer.View the Perkins Notice of non-discrimination.