CC#25-06-15 School Food Program Lead

Government of Nova Scotia; Truro; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated School Food Program Lead to coordinate and implement a comprehensive School Lunch Program. This role involves collaboration with various partners to ensure that food programs meet provincial standards and effectively serve the needs of students. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food service management, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to foster relationships with diverse stakeholders. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student health and nutrition within the educational system.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and implementing programs in multiple locations.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads implementation of the school lunch program aligned with provincial standards.
• Ensures compliance with food safety standards and monitors food quality.

Skills

Program Development

Relationship Management

Food Safety Standards

Organizational Skills

Problem-Solving

Education

Diploma in Culinary/Food Service Management

Certificate in Business Administration

Job description

School Food Program Lead

Competition #25-06-15

Permanent, Non-Union Position (12 Months)

Location: Truro, Nova Scotia

The Chignecto-Central Regional Centre for Education, with approximately 22,000 students and 3,000 employees, is seeking a School Food Program Lead.

Reporting to the Regional Coordinator of Programs, the School Food Program Lead collaborates with the provincial project team and other standing provincial committees. They work in partnership with departmental officials and are responsible to plan, coordinate and implement the School Lunch Program for the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education. The position cultivates partnerships and relationships with provincial colleagues and collaborates on provincial evaluation criteria and policy frameworks, processes, and standards. The position oversees a multi-phased implementation to ensure it is aligned with provincial policy and standards. The position develops partnerships with external service providers and supports school staff responsible for food ensuring programs are aligned and meet required standards. The position provides a single point of contact for third party food service managers, cafeteria staff and school administrators for cafeteria related inquiries, and works closely with key Health Promoting Schools (HPS) partners (i.e. School Health Promoter, Public Health Nutritionist).

Main responsibilities include:

• Leads a multi-phased implementation of the school lunch program in the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education to ensure it is aligned with provincial policy and standards. This includes ongoing collaboration with government and external partners, making recommendations on the design and implementation of school food programs for the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education.
• Leads food services program planning, implementation, and management by representing the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education provincially, providing recommendations to support provincial planning for school food programs and determining how implementation will best work within the Chignecto Central Regional centre for Education. This includes breakfast and lunch programs.
• Reviews and integrates existing school food programs to align with any new model(s) of food programming being implemented in the Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
• Ensures all food programs operating and being implemented in Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education schools align with the School Food and Nutrition Policy and supporting documents. Provides support to schools to meet standards and policies and works with necessary partners and all relevant Departments to ensure school infrastructure is acceptable and schools are adequately equipped.
• Fosters relationships with principals and administrators, provincial government and other Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education counterparts; serves as Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education point person for food services matters.
• Ensures compliance with proper food safety standards in kitchens, ensures schools have required permits and monitors the quality and consistency of food at all schools across the region.
• Monitor compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Monitor and support food waste mitigation plans as applicable.
• Procures or supports schools to procure food suppliers and/or food service providers and manage contracts and vendor relations. This includes supporting the procurement of service providers and vendors to deliver school food programs.
• Prepares required monitoring and evaluation reports.
• Coordinates and participates in mandated nutrition education meetings, professional standards, and training (ordering system, food safety, etc.).

Requirements:

• Diploma/Certificate in Culinary/Food Service Management, business administration, or other relevant field with related experience.
• Experience developing and implementing programs in multiple locations
• Experience working with and developing relationships with a variety of partners
• Access to a reliable vehicle as travel to schools within the Region is required

Assets:

• Demonstrated planning, organizational, and time management skills
• Strong judgement and decision making skills, with an ability to assess and appropriately address competing priorities.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, negotiation and conflict management skills,
• Knowledge of the public education system, local food systems, and food literacy programs.
• Expertise in food service management (budgeting, inventory, procurement, waste mitigation, recommended staffing levels, and daily operating procedures, etc.).
• Experience in development of standard operating procedures (for a food service environment) and menus, as well as training and supporting staff in a food service environment.
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, Canada’s Food Guide, addressing the social determinants of health and equity

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders using a variety of methods and build strategic partnerships and collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners.
• Understanding of system-level approaches to effecting change and a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Interested applicants must apply electronically through this online careers page

Interested applicants must attach a resume with a concise covering letter highlighting the most relevant qualifications and experience. The names of at least three (3) professional references must be included. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary: Non Union Pay Band 7 ($2,520.53- $3,150.68 Bi-weekly)

Closing Date for Applications: Monday, May 12, 2025 at 12 noon