Director of Culinary Operations

Immediate Supervisor-CEO
Direct Reports-Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, and all BOH employees
Work Schedule-Monday thru Friday, 7 am to 3 pm; evenings and weekends as needed

Jasmine Kitchen / Jasmine Road is a mission-driven organization providing a path to healing and employment for women survivors of sex trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. As a people-first nonprofit, we prioritize staff well-being, work/life balance, and inclusivity. Driven, motivated, and passionate, our team works collaboratively across departments and within the community to fulfill our vision: to be known as a loving community that offers women opportunities to flourish, one life at a time. We encourage applicants who are aligned with our mission and values to apply.

The Role
We’re looking for a creative, mission-driven leader to guide our culinary operations and teaching kitchen — someone who brings vision, heart, and structure to our social enterprise. This is not your typical hospitality or nonprofit job — it’s a dynamic blend of entrepreneurship, program leadership, and mentorship.
You’ll be responsible for the overall food quality, creativity, and consistency at Jasmine Kitchen, while teaching and training residents in a trauma-informed environment. Your work will help create meaningful economic opportunities for women healing from trafficking, addiction, and trauma.

Culinary
● Oversee food production and sourcing with a focus on quality and consistency
● Maintain relationships with vendors and verify order accuracy
● Ensure compliance with all DHEC, food safety, and ServSafe standards
● Oversee recipe development and document all recipes in the shared drive
● Maintain inventory systems
● Schedule BOH team members to ensure full coverage
● Coordinate with Kitchen Manager to prepare for special events and catering
● Ensure proper storage and labeling of all food items
● Create and assign daily prep lists to support kitchen efficiency and flow
● Test and refine new recipes regularly
● Oversee kitchen cleaning protocols and equipment maintenance
● Plan and prepare the annual fundraiser luncheon menu
● Manage the Sous Chef to implement best practices in safety, quality, and kitchen operations

HR & Team Culture 

● Foster a trauma-informed, inclusive, and supportive work environment 

● Assess hiring needs; post jobs, review resumes, and interview candidates 

● Ensure HR best practices are followed throughout hiring and onboarding
● Create and manage BOH training modules 

● Review job descriptions, performance, pay rates, and schedules with direct reports 

● Build a committed, mission-focused team that works collaboratively and compassionately 

● Conduct annual performance reviews with direct reports 

● Consult with the CEO and Business Manager on promotions and compensation 

● Collaborate with the Kitchen Manager to coordinate facility maintenance (e.g., pest control, grease trap, etc.)
 

Occupational Therapy/Professional Development
● Integrate soft-skill development (e.g., time management, communication, teamwork) into daily training
● Review resident performance monthly with VP of Programs & Operations and Kitchen Manager Coordinate monthly professional development groups Lead bi-monthly BOH team meetings to foster communication and cohesion
Finance & Sustainability
● Track BOH labor costs and staffing efficiency to remain within budget
● Ensure catering and special events are priced to meet margin goals
● Collaborate with the CEO and Business Manager to create annual budgets
● Monitor food and packaging costs through recipe costing
● Review monthly financials with the Business Manager
Competencies
● Culinary degree or equivalent experience
● Strong teaching and instruction skills
● 5+ years of experience in a leadership role within a high-volume commercial kitchen
● Experience working with underserved female populations preferred
● Passion for social enterprise and trauma-informed care
● Commitment to working at a drug-free workplace a must
● Excellent collaboration and mentoring skills
● Comfortable navigating culinary, HR, and program responsibilities

Benefits
We offer health insurance, employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance, generous PTO and holiday pay, plus additional paid time off during our restaurant closures the week of Christmas and Independence Day.

Why Work With Us?
This is a chance to help grow a mission-driven business that changes lives. You’ll join a
supportive, purpose-filled team that values collaboration, healing-centered practices, and community transformation. You won’t just run a restaurant — you’ll impact stories of survival and strength.

Ready to make meaningful impact through our lunch cafe?
Email your resume and a brief note about why this role resonates with you to Lisa O’Connell-Hall, CEO at lisa@jasmineroad.org