Commissary Kitchen Operations Manager (PROGRAM MANAGEMENT I) CMHHIP

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

This position must report to work on-site during scheduled working hours of Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm.

Program and Operational Management: 

• Plans, organizes, and manages commissary operations to ensure reliable, cost-effective production and distribution of food and supplies.
• Designs menus for CMHHIP and DOC facilities and collaborates with stakeholders to ensure meals are nutritionally adequate, follow safety requirements for high security settings, and meet contractual requirements of each facility.
• Assists with the development and implementation of operational plans, production schedules, and workflow processes for commissary services.
• Coordinates food production, storage, inventory control, receiving, and distribution across multiple service points.
• Implement approved measures to minimize food cost, including forecasting, portion, and inventory controls
• Establishes and determines the process for monitoring program performance indicators related to efficiency, quality, timeliness, and cost control.
• Tracks and evaluates equipment, space utilization, and system design; recommends operational or capital improvements.
• Implements approved policies, procedures, and program standards to ensure consistency and accountability.
• Resolves complex operational issues requiring analysis, prioritization, and independent judgment, utilizing technical expertise in Food Service operations.
• Employs preparation methods that maximize product yield, nutrient retention, and product quality, producing quantities sufficient to meet demand while minimizing food waste.

• Supervises, organizes, directs, monitors, and evaluates the workflow of multiple program areas within the commissary kitchen. Participates in recruitment, interviewing, and selection of personnel.
• Manages assigned teams in the development, design, review, and implementation of project quality/improvement plans or strategies to support the departmental goals and objectives
• Presents work plans for formal approval, assigns duties, and monitors staff performance.
• Conducts performance management plans (PMPs) and serves as a second-level reviewer for Performance
• Management Reviews (PMP) while reviewing and coaching direct supervisors as needed to ensure fair and consistent reviews.
• Assists appointing authority with employee relations issues, resolves conflicts, and recommends corrective or disciplinary actions in accordance with State Personnel Rules and established policies.
• Promotes teamwork, accountability, and professional development.
• Serves as a leader to managers, supervisors, and/or professional staff for culinary excellence, training related to recipe preparation and equipment use of the central kitchen, recipe, and menu development to support achieving program objectives and service expectations
• Validates staff competence by providing and facilitating training appropriate to needs

• Ensures commissary operations comply with regulatory, safety, and contractual requirements.
• Interprets and applies state and federal regulations, food safety standards, and departmental policies.
• Implements quality assurance measures and corrective action plans.
• Oversees documentation and reporting to support regulatory compliance, cleaning and maintenance services, including trash removal, pest control, deep cleaning, equipment maintenance, etc.
• Participates in inspections, audits, and reviews; addresses findings and deficiencies.
• Identifies operational risks, presents findings to their direct supervisor and once approved, implements mitigation strategies
• Assists Assistant Director and Director in the development and implementation of quality control tools for operational management and manages assigned teams in the implementation of project quality/improvement plans or strategies to support the departmental goals and objectives.
• Supports the development and maintenance of emergency operations plans when unexpected events occur to ensure meals continue to be prepared and served.

• Manages assigned fiscal resources to support program objectives.
• Assists in developing and monitoring operational commissary kitchen budget.
• Tracks expenditures, analyzes cost trends, and recommends cost-control measures.
• Authorizes purchases in compliance with state fiscal rules and procurement requirements.
• Evaluates vendor performance and supply chain reliability
• Monitors the cost of goods to identify significant price increases and provides financial recommendations for operational improvements, ensuring fiscal accountability

• Represents commissary operations in meetings, committees, and workgroups.
• Communicates program goals, expectations, and changes to staff and stakeholders.
• Maintains professional knowledge through training and continuing education.
• Collaborates with internal departments and external partners to resolve operational issues.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director.

Experience Only:
Eight (8) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
Or
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to eight (8) years. Relevant education may include a degree in: Culinary Arts,  Food Service Management, Hospitality Management, Nutrition, or other closely-related field

Must maintain certification as a food protection manager from an accredited program or obtain such within six months of hire. 

Preferred qualifications include: 
Leadership & Supervision of 15+ employees and/or second-level supervisory responsibility.
Specialized Operational Experience including high-volume institutional or commissary food production in a hospital, correctional, or other secure healthcare environment.
Program Management & Optimization including designing and implementing production schedules and workflow systems, developing centralized distribution processes. Specific experience in creating large-scale recipe validation systems, and implementing strategies for food waste reduction and yield optimization.
Fiscal Management & Compliance experience, including managing or assisting with a large operational budget, implementing cost-control measures while maintaining service quality and therapeutic nutrition standards, and State procurement and P-card management
Technical Proficiency with inventory management systems, menu management software, production forecasting tools, and spreadsheet-based cost modeling.
And strong knowledge of:

• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles.
• CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) food service regulations (or equivalent state health authority standards).
• CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) or Joint Commission standards in healthcare settings.
• USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) dietary and institutional nutrition guidelines.

• Full background check and reference check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. 

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

  • Relevant years of state service experience.

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.  Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."  You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit. Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing). If you use AI in answering the supplemental questions, you are responsible for ensuring accuracy and that any reference to knowledge or skills is reflected in the Work History section of your application.

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.  

• You can find the official appeal form here. 

• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

• Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.

• How to apply to the State of Colorado

• (Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)

  The Assessment Process

• For additional recruiting questions, please contact Magalie.Chapman@state.co.us
  
  

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.  The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.