Cafeteria Manager (Elementary) (65 hours biweekly)

Joshua Eaton Elementary School; Reading (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Joshua Eaton Elementary School in Reading, Massachusetts, is seeking a Cafeteria Manager to oversee daily school cafeteria operations. You will lead menu planning, procurement, food preparation, and staff supervision to deliver nutritious meals safely and compliantly.

The role requires strong leadership, nutrition knowledge, and excellent organizational skills in a fast-paced school environment. This is a full-time, on-site position within Reading Public Schools’ Food Services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous managerial experience in a cafeteria, restaurant, or food service setting preferred.
• Knowledge of nutrition, meal planning, and food safety regulations.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Menu planning: Create a diverse and nutritious menu compliant with district guidelines.
• Food procurement: Collaborate with the Food Service Director to procure and manage inventory.
• Food preparation: Supervise kitchen staff to ensure safe, regulated meals.
• Staff management: Train and supervise cafeteria staff in a positive environment.
• Nutritional education: Collaborate on programs promoting healthy eating.
• Safety and sanitation: Maintain clean, safe cafeteria environment per health regulations.
• Customer service: Ensure welcoming atmosphere for students, staff, and parents.
• Record keeping: Maintain inventory and meal counts records.
• Compliance: Stay up-to-date with federal, state, and local school food service regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Communication

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Cafeteria Manager (Elementary) (65 hours biweekly)

Reading Public Schools Joshua Eaton Elementary School - Reading, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Reading Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5893447

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 19, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Reading Public Schools is a vibrant and inclusive educational institution dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for our students. We believe that a well-balanced and nutritious meal is essential for a child's overall well-being and academic success. As part of our commitment to student health and well-being, we are seeking a dedicated School Cafeteria Manager to join our team.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced School Cafeteria Manager to oversee the daily operations of our school cafeteria. The School Cafeteria Manager will play a critical role in ensuring that our students receive nutritious and well-balanced meals in a safe and clean environment. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and organizational skills, a passion for food service, and a commitment to promoting healthy eating habits among students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Planning: Create a diverse and nutritious menu that complies with school district guidelines and dietary requirements, ensuring variety and appealing choices for students
• Food Procurement: Collaborate with the Food Service Director and/or School Nutrition Coordinator to facilitate food procurement and oversee inventory management
• Food Preparation: Supervise kitchen staff to ensure food is prepared, cooked, and served according to food safety standards and regulations
• Staff Management: Train and supervise cafeteria staff while fostering a positive and efficient work environment
• Nutritional Education: Collaborate with school administrators to implement educational programs promoting healthy eating habits among students
• Safety and Sanitation: Maintain a clean and safe cafeteria environment, including equipment maintenance, sanitation, and compliance with health department regulations
• Customer Service: Foster a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in the cafeteria, ensuring excellent customer service to students, staff, and parents
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of inventory, meal counts, and other cafeteria-related data.
• Compliance: Stay up-to-date with federal, state, and local regulations related to school food service programs and ensure compliance
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous managerial experience in a cafeteria, restaurant, or food service setting preferred
• Knowledge of nutrition, meal planning, and food safety regulations
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilitiesAbility to work effectively and manage a team in a fast-paced environment

Certification:

Certified, or ability to become certified, as ServSafe Food Manager

Working Conditions:

• Frequent standing and movement with regular bending and twisting of neck and trunk, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and/or crouching
• Continuous use of hand strength for grasping tools
• Occasional lifting and/or moving of objects up to 50 pounds
• Occasional exposure to temperatures above 100 degrees
• Occasional work on slippery surfaces
• Meeting deadlines with severe time constraints
• Interacting with students, vendors, and staff members
• Frequent loud noise requiring raised voices for communication
• Elevated risk of minor injuries such as cuts or burns
• Hazards include meat slicers, ovens, kettles, and cleaning supplies

Position: Cafeteria Manager

Department: Food Services

Reports to: Food Services Director

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Union: Reading Cafeteria Employees / AFSCME Council 93, Local 1703

Pre-Employment Screening: CORI, Criminal, Physical

EEO Statement

Reading Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $22.33 to $25.22 Please see our Salary Schedule (readingma.gov)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Reading Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Catherine Franzetti , Food Service Director
• Reading Public Schools
• Email: [e-mail]