Kitchen Manager/Head Cook

Head Cook / Kitchen Manager

Project Youth Daycare
Rock Valley, IA

Pay

$14.50–$18.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.

Job Type

• Full-Time
• Monday–Friday
• Day Shift
• No nights, weekends, or major holidays

Benefits

• Up to $500 Sign-On Bonus
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 50% Childcare Discount
• Free meals while working
• Colonial Life Insurance options
• Annual performance-based raises
• Leadership opportunity in a supportive, family-oriented workplace

About Us

Project Youth Daycare is a growing childcare center committed to providing healthy, nutritious meals in a safe and nurturing environment. We are seeking a dependable, organized, and experienced Head Cook to lead our kitchen operations and ensure our children receive high-quality meals that meet all CACFP requirements.

If you enjoy cooking, leading a team, and working a consistent Monday–Friday schedule with evenings and weekends off, we'd love to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operations of the daycare kitchen.
• Prepare and serve nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks following CACFP guidelines.
• Create monthly menus that meet CACFP nutrition requirements.
• Maintain food production records and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
• Prepare meals for children with allergies and special dietary needs.
• Supervise, mentor, and train kitchen staff.
• Ensure kitchen staff complete daily responsibilities and maintain cleanliness standards.
• Hold staff accountable for food quality, sanitation, and accuracy.
• Order food and kitchen supplies while maintaining organized inventory.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance needs.
• Wash dishes and keep the kitchen clean and sanitized.
• Communicate with the Daycare Director regarding staffing, supplies, equipment, and kitchen operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One or more years of cooking, school nutrition, daycare, restaurant, or food service experience preferred.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of CACFP guidelines is a plus (training provided if needed).
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work independently while leading a team.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain after hire).
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Why Join Project Youth Daycare?

At Project Youth Daycare, you'll play a key leadership role in providing healthy meals for children while supporting a dedicated team. We value our employees and offer a positive work environment, predictable weekday hours, and opportunities for professional growth.

Schedule

• Monday to Friday
• Day Shift
• No Evenings
• No Weekends

Work Location

Project Youth Daycare
2707 Discovery Drive
Rock Valley, IA 51247

Suggested Indeed Skills

• Food Preparation
• Kitchen Management
• Team Leadership
• Food Safety & Sanitation
• Meal Planning
• Inventory Management
• Communication
• Time Management
• Child Nutrition
• CACFP (preferred)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.50 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person