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Job Description
Kitchen & Culinary Education Manager Location:
Hastings, MI Start Date:
September 2026
Employment Type:
Full-Time Help Build Something From the Ground Up Mill Street Market is a startup community hub currently under development in Hastings, Michigan. We are creating a unique campus that combines a Farm Stop Market & Cafe, Commercial Teaching & Incubator Kitchen, Culinary Education Programs, Childcare, and community gathering spaces. We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader to help launch and lead our Kitchen and Culinary Education programs. This is not simply a kitchen management position. The Kitchen & Culinary Education Manager serves as a catalyst for food entrepreneurship, workforce development, culinary education, and small business growth. If you enjoy building programs, creating partnerships, securing resources, supporting entrepreneurs, and turning ideas into action, this may be the opportunity for you. What You'll Do Lead development of culinary education and workforce training programs Recruit, mentor, and support food entrepreneurs utilizing the incubator kitchen Build partnerships with schools, colleges, workforce organizations, chefs, farmers, and community partners Identify and support grant, sponsorship, and fundraising opportunities Coordinate classes, workshops, certifications, and community programming Help entrepreneurs access business development resources and technical assistance Oversee commercial and incubator kitchen operations Collaborate with the Farm Stop Market & Cafe on local food initiatives and prepared foods programming Assist with program budgets, reporting, and impact measurement Help build systems, policies, and programs in a startup environment We're Looking For Someone With Experience In Entrepreneurship, small business development, or economic development Culinary arts, food systems, hospitality, or kitchen leadership Education, workforce development, or community programming Partnership development and community engagement Grant writing, fundraising, or program development Project management and program implementation Qualifications Experience working in startup, nonprofit, educational, or mission-driven environments Minimum 3 years experience in culinary arts, food systems, and commercial kitchen leadership Experience with small business entrepreneurship preferred Experience with shared-use kitchens preferred Experience with grant writing and basic fundraising required Basic marketing knowledge (promotions, product placement, or social media coordination) preferred Knowledge of food safety and child nutrition standards Strong leadership, financial management, and program development skills Working knowledge of spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets) for budgeting and reporting Ability to track, interpret, and act on sales and inventory data Ability to lift up to 50lbs, stand/walk for long periods Ability to work independently and wear multiple hats ServSafe Certification (or willingness to obtain) CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain) Why Mill Street Market? This is a rare opportunity to help build a first-of-its-kind rural community development project focused on food systems, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community wellness. You'll help shape programs, partnerships, and opportunities that directly support local businesses, farmers, families, and future entrepreneurs. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience Paid Time Off (PTO) Professional development opportunities Benefits package in development as organization grows To Apply Please apply through Indeed. If the link does not take you to our posting, search: Kitchen & Culinary Education Manager
