General Manager

General Manager In K-12 Food Service

Lead with purpose - become a general manager in K-12 food service! Are you ready to take the reins and drive impact in a school district's food service program? As a general manager, you'll lead a dedicated team, oversee daily operations, and build strong relationships with district leaders all while ensuring students receive high-quality, nutritious meals. This is your opportunity to combine leadership, strategy, and service to make a real difference every day.

Please note this role will support the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind. Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is a requirement for this position.

Position summary

The general manager is responsible for overseeing food service operations across a school district site or group of sites. This includes leadership of salaried and hourly teams, direct client communication, financial oversight, operational efficiency, and program growth. The role requires a strong balance of leadership, strategy, and hands-on involvement in service and execution.

Key responsibilities

Manage salaried managers and hourly associates across multiple school sites

Direct all aspects of account management and client relationships

Train and develop assistant managers to support business expansion or new contracts

Lead innovative efforts to increase student participation and support academic success

Build and maintain strong relationships with district administrators and school boards

Hire, train, evaluate, and support the development of all staff

Oversee budget preparation and manage labor, food, and operational costs

Ensure timely completion of required reports including inventory, production, and payroll

Oversee food preparation and service in accordance with quality, safety, and sanitation standards

Drive performance in sales, service, facility appearance, and cleanliness through staff training and development

Follow all cash handling and reconciliation procedures

Support daily service operations when needed to ensure smooth functioning

Implement marketing and promotional activities to support program growth

Fulfill additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

High school diploma, GED, or relevant vocational training (bachelor's degree preferred)

Minimum 5 years of experience in food service, with 2-3 years as a food service director (K-12 experience preferred)

Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe Acrobat

Experience with POS systems and online reporting tools preferred

Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

P&L accountability experience and strong cost control skills

Must be able to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and MVR audit (driving required)

Deep knowledge of food service trends, food safety, cost controls, and K-12 nutrition standards

Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with executive leadership

Physical & work environment requirements

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally

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

Moderate noise level in the work environment

Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including occasional extended weeks

Requires driving and attendance at meetings or company events

We are an equal opportunity employer (gender/minority/veterans/disabled) and participate with the federal E-verify employment eligibility program.