ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Kitchen Associate Jobs in Lodi, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

Kitchen Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Kitchen Manager Salary: 65,000-75,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Bon Appetit

Kitchen Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Kitchen Manager Salary: 65,000-75,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Compass Group

Kitchen Manager

New York, NY

Kitchen Manager Salary: 65,000-75,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

Compass Group

Kitchen Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Kitchen Manager Salary: 65,000-75,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon ... Associate Shopping Program * Health and Wellness Programs * Discount Marketplace * Identity Theft ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsKitchen Associate JobsKitchen Associate Jobs in Lodi, NJ

Kitchen Associate information

See Lodi, NJ salary details

$10

$20

$34

How much do kitchen associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for kitchen associate in Lodi, NJ is $20.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $21.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a kitchen associate?

Kitchen associates are team members who assist with food preparation, cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the overall organization of a kitchen. They typically work under the supervision of chefs or kitchen managers and help with tasks such as chopping ingredients, washing dishes, stocking supplies, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Kitchen associates play a vital role in keeping the kitchen running efficiently and supporting the culinary team in delivering quality meals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Kitchen Associate, you need a solid understanding of food safety, basic cooking techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food handling certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that set candidates apart. These competencies ensure efficient kitchen operations, compliance with health standards, and consistently high-quality food preparation.

What are some typical challenges a kitchen associate faces during busy service periods, and how can they be managed?

During peak meal times, Kitchen Associates often face challenges such as high order volumes, tight deadlines, and maintaining quality standards under pressure. To manage these, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and prioritize tasks efficiently. Many kitchens operate with a strong sense of teamwork, so supporting colleagues and asking for help when needed can make a big difference. Developing good time management skills and staying calm under pressure are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Kitchen Associate vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectKitchen AssociateKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; food safety certification often preferredMinimal formal credentials; on-the-job training provided
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, catering servicesSimilar environments, often assisting kitchen staff
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in restaurants, hotels, catering companiesCommonly used interchangeably with Kitchen Associate in hospitality
Job ResponsibilitiesFood prep, dishwashing, maintaining cleanlinessAssisting with basic food prep, cleaning, stocking supplies

Overall, Kitchen Associates typically have more defined responsibilities and may require basic certifications, while Kitchen Helpers focus on assisting with daily tasks and cleaning. Both roles are essential in maintaining efficient kitchen operations.

Can I work in a kitchen as a Kitchen Associate with no experience?

Kitchen Associate positions often do not require prior experience, as employers typically provide on-the-job training for tasks like food preparation and cleaning. Basic skills such as teamwork, reliability, and a willingness to learn are valued, and some roles may require food safety certifications which can be obtained quickly. Entry-level roles are suitable for individuals new to the industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen jobs in Lodi, NJ?

The most popular types of Kitchen jobs in Lodi, NJ are:

What cities near Lodi, NJ are hiring for Kitchen Associate jobs?

Cities near Lodi, NJ with the most Kitchen Associate job openings:

Kitchen Associate jobs near you

Kitchen Manager

Compass Group

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,097 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Position Title: Kitchen Manager 

Salary:  65,000-75,000

Other Forms of Compensation:  

Our Passion is Food!
At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs microwaving the lunch special. We do not have standardized recipes or central commissaries, instead, our chefs and managers are expected to stay abreast of current culinary trends and bring cutting edge food into their cafes. We are a restaurant company that operates in contract food service. That means you will have the freedom to be creative, take risks, and truly shine. We are committed to our staff growing, trying new things, and learning all that they can. Our rapid growth and breadth of accounts translates into exciting opportunities for our people!

Job Summary
We are seeking a growth-minded Kitchen Manager for our growing business. In this role, you will be responsible for the overall success of both the culinary and food service operation, including kitchen leadership, inventory management, food safety compliance, quality assurance, and team development. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who is passionate about operational excellence, food quality, sustainability, and creating a safe and organized work environment.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide full culinary management of the food service operation, including inventory management, ordering, receiving, storage, and product rotation.
  • Oversee purchasing, menu development, cost controls, and inventory management with a focus on sourcing and utilizing local food products.
  • Manage food, beverage, and supply ordering processes to maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing waste through First In, First Out (FIFO) practices.
  • Ensure proper receiving procedures, invoice verification, product labeling, dating, storage, and rotation throughout the operation.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and compliant walk-in coolers, freezers, dry storage areas, dish rooms, porter stations, chemical storage rooms, and smallwares storage areas.
  • Maintain all Compass food safety, sanitation, and operational logs accurately and on schedule.
  • Serve as the kitchen Safety Champion by maintaining the Safety Binder, conducting safety audits, tracking corrective actions, and promoting a culture of workplace safety.
  • Ensure compliance with HACCP procedures, Department of Health (DOH) regulations, temperature monitoring requirements, sanitation standards, and company policies.
  • Keep the kitchen inspection-ready at all times through routine self-inspections, documentation, and corrective actions.
  • Conduct daily equipment inspections and coordinate maintenance repairs by submitting, monitoring, and following up on work orders until completion.
  • Immediately identify and report safety hazards, equipment issues, and operational concerns.
  • Verify completion of daily kitchen opening and closing procedures, production records, and operational checklists.
  • Complete Grab & Go quality, merchandising, and presentation audits to ensure product quality and guest satisfaction.
  • Monitor food quality, freshness, labeling accuracy, presentation standards, and overall culinary execution.
  • Lead, coach, and develop kitchen staff while holding team members accountable for food safety, operational standards, and performance expectations.
  • Participate in and facilitate daily or weekly 10@10 safety and operational meetings.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of P&L accountability and support financial performance objectives.
  • Possess a passion for sustainability and support company initiatives that promote responsible sourcing and waste reduction.
 
Qualifications
 
  • Working knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety regulations.
  • Minimum of three years of culinary management experience in contract foodservice, fine dining, or restaurant environments with responsibility for purchasing, inventory management, and cost control.
  • Extensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, presentation, and food cost management.
  • Experience leading high-volume culinary operations and maintaining regulatory compliance.
  • Experience with exposition cooking.
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience preferred.
  • ServSafe certification preferred.
  • Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven ability to maintain a safe, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen environment.

Apply to Bon Appetit today!

Bon Appetit is a member of Compass Group USA.

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Bon Appetit maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1553323

Bon Appetit 

BRYAN GONI 

What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply