The School Cafeteria Kitchen Manager oversees all daily kitchen and cafeteria operations while actively working in a scratch kitchen to prepare fresh, nutritionally compliant school meals using chef-developed standardized recipes. A hands-on leader, the Kitchen Manager works alongside food service staff to ensure efficient, high-quality meal service throughout each shift. This role is responsible for staff leadership, training, food production, inventory management, and strict adherence to USDA requirements, Health Department standards, and food safety and sanitation practices, while providing a positive meal experience for students.

This is a salaried management role. The School Cafeteria Kitchen Manager is accountable for the consistent operation of the kitchen, including ensuring deliveries are received, equipment is maintained, and operational needs are addressed, including occasional responsibilities outside of standard school hours, as scheduled.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Meal Service

Implement scratch-made menus designed by the A Longer Table
Oversee and assist in the preparation and service of USDA-compliant school meals
Develop daily prep lists and production schedules to ensure efficient meal service
Ensure menu items meet nutritional, quality, and presentation standards
Actively work alongside staff performing food preparation, cooking, serving, cleaning, and dishwashing tasks
Ensure service lines and workstations are set up, stocked, and maintained for efficient service
Execute and monitor daily service standards
Ensure compliant meal counting procedures

Staff Leadership & Supervision

Supervise, schedule, and direct cafeteria staff
Assign daily tasks and monitor staff performance
Provide training, coaching, and in-service instruction
Provide consistent staff communication through daily huddles and operational meetings
Foster teamwork, accountability, and a respectful workplace culture
Address staffing issues and operational challenges as they arise

Compliance, Food Safety & Recordkeeping

Ensure compliance with USDA meal pattern requirements and school nutrition regulations
Enforce food safety, sanitation, and HACCP procedures
Maintain accurate production records, meal counts, temperature logs, and cleaning schedules
Prepare for and participate in audits, administrative reviews, inspections, and site visits

Inventory, Ordering & Receiving

Order food, supplies, and small equipment within established budgets
Receive deliveries and ensure proper food storage, labeling, and rotation
Monitor inventory levels and minimize waste through effective planning and storage
Identify equipment, product, and supply needs and communicate with supervisors

Communication & School Community

Serve as the primary point of contact for cafeteria operations at the school site
Communicate effectively with school administrators, teachers, and food service leadership
Engage positively with students and model professionalism and care during meal service
Participate in required and/or optional special events and training sessions outside of standard school hours, as scheduled
Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

Ability to lead, supervise, and work effectively as part of a team
Strong organizational and time-management skills
Commitment to food safety, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance
Experience with scratch cooking and standardized recipes
Ability to engage positively with students, staff, and teammates
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance

Preferred:

Experience as a kitchen manager or supervisor in school foodservice or large-scale meal service
Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Programs
Food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe), or ability to obtain
Experience working in a school or community-focused environment

Work Environment

School kitchen and cafeteria setting
Exposure to hot equipment, foodservice tools, and cleaning products
Early morning hours required

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site