Food Services Manager in Tacoma, Washington at THE RESCUE MISSION

Are you passionate about serving nutritious and delicious meals to our neighbors in need? If so, Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM) is seeking a Food Services Coordinator to be a part of carrying out our mission. At TRM, we believe that people are our greatest asset, and we are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. Our inclusive and collaborative work environment centers families and fosters creativity, excellence, and professional growth.

Purpose and Vision Statement

The Tacoma Rescue Mission (TRM) is a faith-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to support all people - including clients, volunteers, community partners, and staff - to become their best. We provide emergency services such as shelter and meals to neighbors experiencing homelessness. We offer supportive housing and addiction recovery programs that promote self-sufficiency, sustainable transformation, and stability. We share our Christian faith within a loving and inclusive community.

We are proud to serve the Pierce County communities for over 100 years. Since 1912, we have served in the name of Jesus Christ while emphasizing the dignity of each person who enters our doors. We value the needs of our community and continually adapt to the changing needs of those who come to us for support.

Job Purpose

The Food Services Manager directs all food service operations, ensuring meals meet nutritional, safety, and quality standards. The role oversees staff, trains program participants in job skills, and upholds efficient, service-centered operations aligned with TRM’s values.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Fosters a respectful, service-centered work environment for staff, guests, participants, and volunteers.
• Establishes, directs, and evaluates all food service operations, ensuring compliance with nutritional, safety, sanitation, and security standards.
• Manages food service budgeting processes, resources and procurement of food, equipment, and supplies.
• Collaborates with others to ensure grant compliance requirements are met.
• Develops USDA-compliant menus and oversee procurement of food, efficient kitchen layout, equipment needs, and operational workflow.
• Supervises personnel (e.g., provide coaching and consultation on technical issues and adaptive challenges, professional development, strategic goals, job performance), ensuring ongoing support and development of effective leaders and high performing teams.
• Coordinates redistribution of excess food in partnership with community feeding programs.
• Develops and implements staff training programs that promote operational efficiency and quality service delivery.
• Cultivates strong community relationships while ensuring the team’s commitment and delivery of exceptional customer service and communication with clients, donors, volunteers, and interns.
• Coordinates services with TRM departments and external partner agencies.
• Oversees, trains, supervises, and evaluates assigned work therapy participants.
• Plans, coordinates, and supports food service needs for special events (i.e., New Life Program graduations, staff events, etc.).
• Embodies the values that form our culture to meet the organization’s mission of sharing God’s love, hope, and support with our neighbors in need to uplift communities.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support others and ensure an efficient and effective work environment.

Working Conditions

• May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure meal service coverage.
• Regular interaction with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with mental health challenges and/or prior behavioral concerns.
• Work environment includes office, kitchen, and occasional outdoor settings.

Schedule and Work Location:

Schedule

Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

*Work schedule may vary to meet operational needs.

Primary Locations of Work:

Downtown Campus

425 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98402

Adams Street Family Campus

Tacoma, WA

*Due to confidentiality reasons, address will be disclosed during the interview process.

• Associate's degree in food services or related field required, or eight (8) years of progressively responsible work-related experience. Bachelor's degree in food services preferred.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience managing a large-scale food service operation; institutional cooking experience required.
• Experience managing and supervising individuals with behavioral health challenges.
• Working knowledge of institutional food service operations, equipment, sanitation, and food preparation techniques.
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment, tools, and machinery.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in stressful situations.
• Demonstrated conflict prevention and resolution skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.
• Basic computer, data entry, math, and grammar skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and electronic communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing substantial personal or systemic barriers.
• Access to a vehicle for frequent travel throughout Pierce County and TRM locations, for functions relevant to this position.
• Operates TRM vehicles for the purpose of fulfilling the responsibilities of this position.
• Meets TRM Driver Requirements (Valid Driver’s License, Evidence of Insurability, acceptable driving record, and successful completion of TRM driving test).

Certifications & Licenses

Required to obtain within expected timeframe upon hire.

• ServSafe Certification
• Washington State Food Handler’s Card
• Forklift Certification
• Pallet Jack Certification
• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements

• Frequently moves throughout office and kitchen facilities to access equipment and supplies.
• Occasionally responds to urgent operational situations.
• Frequently operates kitchen and office equipment.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with staff and program participants.
• Maintains visual attention to detail at close range.
• Frequently lifts and moves boxes weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions.
• Uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
• Drives personal and TRM vehicles.

Benefits

• Medical and Dental Packages at No or Little Cost to Employees
• 12 Paid Holidays, Plus a Bonus Day
• Four Weeks’ Vacation Accrued Annually
• 10 Hours of Sick Leave Accrued Monthly
• Participation in 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program

Notes Regarding Hiring Process

• In order to be considered, applicants are required to provide a complete chronological resume including all work history along with dates of employment (month and year) and job responsibilities, education, and certifications. Please note that salary considerations for selected candidates will be based on related experience detailed in the resume provided via the application process.
• Salary:
  • Hiring Salary Range: $31.03 - $34.16 per hour
  • Full Salary Range: $31.03 - $37.61 per hour

Open until filled. For best consideration, submit a completed application by Friday, May 15th, 2026.

The Rescue Mission is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national origin, age, marital status, the presence of any physical, mental or sensory disability, the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, citizenship or immigration status, familial status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy outcome, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.