School Nutrition Lead

School Nutrition Lead

Reports to: School Ops Director, School Nutrition Coordinator

Work Site: The Main Street Academy; College Park, GA

FLSA Status: Salaried

Job Summary: The School Nutrition Kitchen Lead is responsible for supporting the daily operations of The Main Street Academy's School Nutrition Program by leading kitchen staff, overseeing meal preparation and service, and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including USDA Child Nutrition Program standards. This role focuses on hands-on kitchen leadership, food safety, sanitation, meal quality, and staff supervision. The Kitchen Lead works closely with the Food Service Coordinator to ensure efficient operations, accurate record keeping, and a safe, welcoming cafeteria environment that supports student health and participation.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required, college degree preferred.

Certification / Licensure:

• National Restaurant SERV Safe Certification preferred.
• State Department of Education training requirements must be completed within five (5) years of hire.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of food service and/or management experience required. Preference will be given to individuals with experience as a school food service manager or assistant manager
• Institutional or school food service management experience preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

School Nutrition Program Operations:

• Assist in the daily operation of the School Nutrition Program (SNP) in compliance with federal, state, local, and TMSA policies and procedures
• Implement and adhere to Classified Employee Work Rules and School Nutrition Personnel and Uniform Standards
• Support menu execution, meal preparation, portion control, and service according to standardized recipes and production records
• Assist with inventory management, forecasting, ordering, and receiving of food and supplies
• Ensure sanitation and safety procedures are consistently followed in all food service areas

Supervision and Training:

• Provide day-to-day supervision and leadership to assigned SNP employees
• Assist with staff training, coaching, and annual evaluations related to food preparation, service, sanitation, and safety
• Monitor employee health and promptly report concerns or incidents to protect public health and safety

Food Safety, Equipment, and Facilities:

• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards, including employee hygiene and safe food handling practices
• Monitor and maintain temperature logs for refrigeration units, freezers, and dry storage areas
• Ensure proper use, care, and routine cleaning of small and large kitchen equipment
• Maintain required SERV Safe certification and model best practices for staff

Additional Responsibilities:

• Promote school nutrition programs and healthy eating habits while maintaining positive public relations
• Foster a positive, orderly cafeteria environment that encourages high student and staff participation
• Communicate effectively and professionally with students, staff, administrators, vendors, and the public
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making in critical or time-sensitive situations
• Follow all written and verbal instructions, including chemical use and safety guidelines
• Report accidents, safety concerns, and equipment issues promptly
• Assist the Food Service Coordinator with maintaining accurate files and records related to meal production, inventories, purchasing, invoices, employee records, time sheets, and required reports
• Complete all required training and continue to develop job-related skills
• Perform other duties as assigned by the School Nutrition Coordinator, Director of School Operations, or designee

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of food service standards, best practices, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Ability to lead food preparation using sound nutritional principles, customer acceptability, and cost awareness
• Ability to support food cost control through proper planning and inventory practices
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with school personnel, district staff, and diverse groups
• Ability to make decisions in critical situations
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Effective verbal and written communication skills

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Requires standing, walking, bending, crouching, climbing, pushing, and pulling as needed to support kitchen operations
• Must be able to lift, push, and/or pull up to 75 pounds
• Ability to work with hands in hot water and approved cleaning chemicals

An Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of TMSA, Inc. to provide educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, alienage and citizen status, age, marital status, disability, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as provided by law), sexual orientation, gender (sex), and to maintain an environment free of discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment or retaliation as required by civil rights law.