Job Title: Food Service Director – Child Nutrition Services
Job Summary:
The Food Service Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of the school district’s child nutrition program. This role ensures the delivery of nutritious, appealing, and cost-effective meals to students while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Food Service Director promotes healthy eating habits, manages budgets, and fosters a positive working environment for food service staff.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Program Management:
? Oversee the planning, preparation, and delivery of meals in compliance with USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) guidelines.
? Develop and implement menus that meet nutritional standards, accommodate special dietary needs, and reflect student preferences.
? Monitor food quality, safety, and sanitation practices across all school cafeterias. 2. Financial Oversight:
? Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring financial accountability and cost-effectiveness.
? Analyze food and labor costs and implement strategies to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
? Prepare financial reports and oversee funding applications, including free and reduced-price meal programs.
3. Staff Leadership and Training:
? Recruit, train, and supervise food service staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and professionalism.
? Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure staff are knowledgeable about food safety, menu planning, and customer service.
? Conduct regular performance evaluations and address personnel issues as needed.
4. Compliance and Reporting:
? Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations related to child nutrition and food service operations.
? Maintain accurate records for audits, inspections, and program reviews.
? Stay informed about changes in regulations, guidelines, and best practices in child nutrition.
5. Community Engagement:
? Collaborate with school administrators, parents, and community stakeholders to promote the child nutrition program.
? Organize and participate in events or initiatives to educate students and families about healthy eating habits.
? Address concerns or feedback related to the food service program promptly and professionally.
Qualifications:
? Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service Management, or a related field.
? Registered Dietitian (RD) credential or School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) certification is preferred.
? Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in food service management, preferably in a school or institutional setting.
? Knowledge of USDA child nutrition program requirements and state health codes. ? Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
? Proficiency in budget management and use of food service software systems. Working Conditions:
? Primarily works in an office setting with periodic visits to school cafeterias and kitchen facilities.
? May require occasional evening or weekend work for events, meetings, or training sessions.
Reports To:
Assistant Superintendent or Director of Operations (depending on the district’s organizational structure).