Nutrition Services Lead / Kitchen Manager
Supervisory role managing kitchen operations and nutrition services staff
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About Our Organization
We are committed to providing exceptional educational services and creating a positive learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our organization values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Position Overview
The Nutrition Services Lead / Kitchen Manager supervises daily kitchen operations, manages staff, and ensures compliance with federal nutrition guidelines and food safety regulations. This safety-sensitive position requires food handler certification, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The lead plays a critical role in providing nutritious, appealing meals to students while maintaining efficient operations and strict food safety standards.
Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Service
- Prepare and serve meals according to standardized recipes and portion sizes
- Operate kitchen equipment including ovens, steamers, slicers, and dishwashers safely
- Maintain proper food temperatures and follow HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) procedures
- Set up serving lines, replenish food items, and maintain clean and organized serving areas
- Operate point-of-sale (POS) system for meal transactions and account management
- Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, work surfaces, and dining areas
- Wash dishes, utensils, and equipment following proper sanitation procedures
- Receive and store food deliveries, checking for quality and proper storage temperatures
- Follow all food safety regulations, health codes, and district policies
- Provide friendly customer service to students and staff
Additional Management Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate daily kitchen operations including food preparation, service, and cleanup
- Train, schedule, and evaluate nutrition services staff
- Ensure compliance with federal nutrition guidelines (National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program)
- Order food, supplies, and equipment, maintaining inventory and controlling costs
- Develop and implement standardized recipes and production schedules
- Monitor food quality, portion sizes, and presentation standards
- Manage point-of-sale (POS) system and meal account transactions
- Prepare required reports including meal counts, production records, and inventory
- Coordinate with district nutrition services administration and school administrators
- Respond to student and parent inquiries regarding meals, allergies, and special dietary needs
- Conduct staff meetings and provide ongoing training on food safety and customer service
- Maintain kitchen equipment and coordinate repairs as needed
- Ensure compliance with health department regulations and district policies
Required Qualifications
Food Safety Certification
Valid Food Handler Card or ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
Additional Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent (Associate's degree in culinary arts, nutrition, or related field preferred)
- Minimum 2-3 years of food service experience, including supervisory experience
- Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing drug/alcohol screening
- Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance
- Knowledge of federal nutrition guidelines and school meal programs
- Strong leadership and staff management skills
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work early morning hours and manage multiple priorities
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous school nutrition services management experience
- ServSafe Manager certification
- Knowledge of special dietary needs and food allergies
- Experience with nutrition software and POS systems
- Culinary training or certification
- Bilingual skills (as applicable to district needs)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and staff management abilities
- Advanced knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP procedures
- Understanding of federal nutrition guidelines and school meal program requirements
- Inventory management and cost control skills
- Ability to develop and implement standardized recipes and production schedules
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Excellent communication skills for interacting with staff, students, parents, and administrators
- Customer service orientation
- Basic computer skills for POS systems, inventory, and reporting
- Physical stamina for kitchen work and supervision
Work Environment
This position works primarily in school kitchen and cafeteria facilities, typically starting early morning hours to coordinate breakfast service. The lead works in a fast-paced environment managing staff, food preparation, and service operations. The role involves exposure to heat, steam, and various food odors, with extended periods of standing and frequent movement throughout the kitchen and serving areas. The position requires managing multiple priorities, responding to changing needs, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.
Physical Requirements
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds or more on a regular basis. The role involves frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching. Employees must be able to work in various weather conditions and environments, including outdoor settings. The position requires manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to operate tools and equipment safely. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Additional Physical Requirements Specific to Kitchen Management
- Ability to stand for extended periods (4-6 hours)
- Ability to lift and carry food containers, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in hot and humid kitchen environments
- Manual dexterity for food preparation and equipment operation
- Sufficient vision and sense of smell to ensure food quality and safety
Benefits & Perks
Standard Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may vary based on employment status and location.
In Addition to Our Standard Benefits Package
Nutrition services staff receive:
- Free or discounted meals during work hours
- Paid food handler certification and renewal
- Uniform allowance and non-slip footwear provided
- Management-level compensation and benefits
- Opportunities for professional development and advancement
- School calendar schedule with holidays and summers off (as applicable)
Legal & Compliance
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
At-Will Employment
This position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as may be limited by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Background Check Policy
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by applicable law.
Safety Sensitive Position & Drug Testing
This is a safety-sensitive position as defined by applicable regulations. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Employees in this position are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, and return-to-duty testing as required by law and district policy. A positive test result or refusal to submit to testing may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.