District Manager

District Manager Role in K-12 Food Service

Drive regional impact and step into a district manager role in K-12 food service! Are you a strategic leader with a passion for food service and people? As a district manager, you'll oversee operations across multiple school districts, lead high-performing teams, and build strong partnerships with clients and communities. This is a chance to take your multi-unit management skills to the next level while shaping the future of school nutrition and service excellence.

This position will oversee foodservice operations at our contracted school districts throughout the Kansas City, MO region.

Position summary:

The district manager is responsible for leading food service operations across multiple schools and regions. Reporting to senior leadership, this role focuses on high-level client relationships, operational success, team development, and financial performance. The district manager ensures that all sites meet company standards while building strategic partnerships and driving growth.

Key responsibilities:

Account management: build strong relationships with district clients and stakeholders

Develop tailored account plans and lead regular performance reviews with clients

Ensure delivery of high-quality food service that meets both contract and customer expectations

Act as liaison between the company and district leadership, school boards, parents, and students

Oversee strategic account planning, communication, and client satisfaction initiatives

Financial leadership: manage financial performance of assigned region including budgets, labor, and food costs

Understand and act on contract terms, identifying risks and negotiating client changes

Improve productivity and resource planning across sites

Escalate high-risk issues promptly to senior leadership

Support budget compliance and growth planning in collaboration with executive leadership

Team development & oversight: coach and support general managers across the region

Promote a leadership-driven culture focused on accountability and service excellence

Foster professional growth and strategic thinking within the team

Address operational issues, guide through conflict resolution, and maintain strong safety culture

Actively engage in succession planning and leadership development

Operational excellence: monitor performance metrics, reports, and KPIs to identify areas for improvement

Ensure GM compliance with food safety, labor, and operational policies

Partner with internal departments (HR, Payroll, Accounting, Sales) to support site needs

Direct, coordinate, and evaluate work assignments and regional operations

Promote internal collaboration, clear communication, and strong company culture

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or related field preferred

10+ years of experience in food service, restaurant, or related industry (including multi-unit management)

Proven success in managing large teams, budgets, and operational outcomes

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Experience with reporting systems, POS platforms, and financial analysis

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to boards and executives

Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation (driving required)

Must be able to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and MVR audit

Strong leadership presence, adaptability, and ability to work independently

Physical & work environment requirements:

Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally

Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands

Moderate noise environment

Requires flexible schedule, occasional 6-7 day workweeks, and travel (up to 50%)

Must be able to drive between locations and attend in-person meetings and events

We are an equal opportunity employer, gender/minority/veterans/disabled and participates with E-Verify employment eligibility program.