School Nutrition Manager Trainee Program

Hamilton County Schools, located in Chattanooga, TN, is working to ensure that all students thrive and experience a future without limits.  We are committed to excellence for every student and are seeking outstanding leaders, teachers, support staff, and district employees who desire to make a difference in the lives of students. With nearly 75 schools, we are confident that you can find your place in Hamilton County. 

Learn more about working for Hamilton County Schools at careers.hcde.org and get to know us and our strategic plan, Opportunity 2030.

The School Nutrition Manager Trainee Program combines hands-on experience with classroom instruction to prepare participants for future management opportunities within Hamilton County School Nutrition. Participants will learn the standards of quality school food production and service in accordance with USDA, State of Tennessee, and local program guidelines.

The program accepts two cohorts each year, with interviews conducted in July and December. Selected participants begin training in late July or early January (specific dates to be determined). Each trainee is assigned to an experienced Training Manager and completes an 8–12 week program that combines weekly classroom instruction with hands-on kitchen leadership experience. Upon successful completion, trainees become eligible to apply for School Nutrition Manager vacancies.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Through classroom instruction and hands-on experience, trainees will develop the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage a school nutrition operation, including:

• Lead a school nutrition team
• Plan daily food production using production records
• Manage ordering, inventory, and receiving in LINQ
• Operate point-of-sale and school nutrition software
• Apply USDA regulations and food safety requirements
• Build positive relationships with students, staff, and school administrators
• Develop budgeting, labor management, and forecasting skills
• Learn alongside an experienced School Nutrition Manager through one-on-one mentoring and hands-on training

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following qualities:

• Dependable
• Team-oriented
• Positive attitude
• Adaptable and open to change
• Passionate about serving students
• Committed to learning and growing as a school nutrition professional

Program Benefits:

• Weekends, evenings, and school breaks off
• Work schedule aligned with the school calendar
• Structured hands-on leadership training
• Weekly classroom instruction
• Experienced manager mentor
• Free employee meals during the workday

Additional Information

• Pay for internal applicants will be at their current rate of pay. Pay for external applicants will be based on education and experience.
• An applicant must complete the entire program to be eligible for a management position.
• The completion of the course does not guarantee a management position with this department.

Minimum qualifications include:

• HS diploma or GED required
• Internal Applicants: a minimum of one year in a School Nutrition food service operation, including one month of experience as the primary meat cook and cashiering experience, with a positive reference by the applicant's Cafeteria Manager
• External Applicants: a minimum of 1 year in food service management, with positive references
• A passing score on a basic math and reading comprehension test required

The School Nutrition Manager Trainee Program is designed to develop future leaders within Hamilton County School Nutrition. If you are committed to serving students, leading others, and growing your career, we encourage you to apply.