Food Service Manager

George Washington Carver Academy is hiring a Food Service Manager to join the team. 

George Washington Carver Academy is a PreK - 8th grade public charter school located in Highland Park. Our mission extends beyond academics. We foster a nurturing environment where scholars freely engage in the learning process, preparing them to positively impact their community. We are committed to hiring certified, professional teachers, to ensure our students have success. 

Job Summary

The Food Service Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the school's food service program, ensuring students receive safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position supervises kitchen staff, manages food preparation and inventory, and promotes a clean, efficient, and customer-focused dining environment. The Food Service Manager collaborates with school leadership to support student wellness and the overall mission of the school.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties:

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the daily production and service of nutritious meals in accordance with USDA, state, and local guidelines.

• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate food service staff to ensure efficient kitchen operations and high-quality customer service.

• Develop menus that meet nutritional standards while considering student preferences and dietary restrictions.

• Maintain inventory of food, supplies, and kitchen equipment; order products as needed while managing food costs and minimizing waste.

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations, including proper food handling and storage procedures.

• Monitor food quality, portion control, and meal presentation.

• Maintain accurate records related to meal counts, inventory, purchasing, production, and food safety.

• Manage the food service budget and assist with cost control initiatives.

• Operate and maintain kitchen equipment, ensuring equipment is clean and functioning properly.

• Collaborate with school administration regarding special events, catering requests, and nutrition initiatives.

• Promote a positive, welcoming cafeteria environment for students and staff.

• Maintain effective communication with students, parents, vendors, school staff, and administration.

• Participate in professional development and required food service training.

• Regular and predictable attendance.

Cognitive Demands:

• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced food service environment.

• Supervise and coordinate the work of kitchen staff.

• Exercise sound judgment regarding food safety, sanitation, and inventory management.

• Maintain accurate production, inventory, and financial records.

• Demonstrate effective leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Adapt to changing meal service needs and student participation levels.

Physical Demands:

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, lift, push, pull, and reach throughout the workday.

• Frequently lift and carry food products and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.

• Operate commercial kitchen equipment safely.

• Work in environments with heat, steam, refrigeration, and varying temperatures.

• Withstand moderate to high noise levels in a commercial kitchen.

• Maintain manual dexterity required for food preparation and equipment operation.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, Hospitality, Nutrition, or a related field preferred.

• Previous experience in institutional food service, school nutrition, restaurant management, or commercial kitchen operations required.

• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.

• Knowledge of USDA School Nutrition Program requirements, food safety regulations, and sanitation standards.

• Current ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification preferred or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.

• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and customer service skills.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and manage inventory and purchasing.

• Ability to meet all applicable state, district, and school employment requirements, including successful completion of required background checks.

Company Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, Vision, & Dental Plans

• 1% 401(k) company contribution 

• Life, ADD, STD, LTD 100% paid by the employer

• Voluntary Plans Available

For more information on George Washington Carver Academy, please visit our website at

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