Canteen Manager

FALL CREEK FARM & NURSERY; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission in Austin, TX seeks a Food Service Manager III (Canteen Manager) to supervise the State Hospital Canteen, manage food preparation and sanitation, and ensure budget adherence and accurate inventories.

This senior role requires 2+ years in food service and Texas Food Protection Manager certification; day shift with potential overtime, and opportunities for professional growth in a large state agency. Join a team committed to service excellence.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in food service work.
• At least one year experience overseeing staff in a food service environment.
• Texas Food Protection Managers Certification or equivalent within three months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Supervises the daily operations of the State Hospital Canteen.
• Ensures food handling and preparation complies with sanitation and safety rules.
• Manages inventory, requisitions, and stock levels; reconciles purchases and cash handling.
• Works with Financial Services to establish/renew food service contracts; maintains budget.
• Oversees sanitation of dining areas and food service equipment; trains staff.

Skills

Food handling

Budget management

Staff supervision

Inventory control

Safety compliance

Cash handling

Team leadership

Customer service

Education

Texas Food Protection Managers Certification or equivalent

Tools

POS software

Job description

Posting ID21358 - Posted09/11/2026 - Health & Human Services Comm - Canteen/Vending Mach Opers - Food Preparation and Serving Related - Not Eligible for Telework - b. $3000 - $4999 per month

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage .

Job Details

• Functional Title: Canteen Manager
• Job Title: Food Svc Mgr - Canteen Manager
• Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
• Department: Canteen/Vending Mach Opers
• Posting Number: 21358
• Closing Date: 11/10/2026
• Posting Audience: Internal and External
• Occupational Category: Food Preparation and Serving Related
• Salary Range: $4,594.16-$5,372.41
• Pay Frequency: Monthly
• Salary Group: TEXAS-A-17
• Shift: Day
• Additional Shift: None
• Telework: Not Eligible for Telework
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Full Time/Part Time: Full time
• FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
• Facility Location:
• Job Location City: AUSTIN
• Job Location Address: 4110 GUADALUPE
• Other Locations: None
• MOS Codes: 3302,30C0,3F1X1,4D0X1,640A,752X,922A,CS,CSS,F&S

Brief Job Description

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. The psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Food Service Manager III (Canteen Manager) performs highly complex (senior-level) food service supervisory work for the State Hospital Canteen. The Canteen Manager’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, food handling and preparation; ensuring prescribed sanitation and safety rules are maintained in compliance with all Federal, State, and Local health regulations; ordering, receiving, and stocking of merchandise; production and distribution of food served; preparing daily and monthly inventories of stock; reconciliation of purchases, cash handling, and sale of merchandise; daily reports and monthly inventories; and supervision and training of Canteen staff. The Canteen Manager works with Financial Services staff to establish and/or renew food service contracts, as necessary. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Supervises the daily operations of the State Hospital Canteen. Ensures food handling and the preparation of meals are prepared in a sanitary manner. Ensures perishables and frozen foods are stored under correct temperatures and conditions.

Ensures the production and distribution of food served at the Canteen, producing the recipes and production orders for the Canteen staff, and overseeing the quality of food. Consults with cooks on food requirements and recipes to be used.

Reconciles purchases, cash handling, and sale of merchandise. Keeps records, such as amount, and cost of meals/hours served, food requirement estimates, and requisitions and/or purchases of food, drinks and other related items. Works with Financial Services staff to establish and/or renew food service contracts, as necessary. Ensures the Canteen stays within the budget.

Ensures the Canteen dining room, common areas, restrooms, and equipment are cleaned and sanitized to maintain a clean therapeutic environment. Supervises the setup of dining rooms and common areas for service. Inspects dining, service, food preparation areas, and food conveyors for compliance with sanitation, safety and health regulations.

Prepares daily reports and monthly inventories of stock, submits requisitions for food items, supplies, and equipment. Orders, receives, and stocks merchandise. Inspects items on arrival for quantity, quality, and temperature conditions.

Supervises and manages assigned staff. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, selecting, and hiring potential employees, scheduling and assigning workload, establishing performance measures, evaluating work performance, providing feedback and guidance, recommending staff development and training, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions, scheduling and approving leave.

Establishes and administers orientation and coordinates staff training. Ensures staff are trained on safety rules and regulations, sanitary procedures, food preparation and portion control, and the operation of food service equipment.

Ensures that the Canteen meets all obligations related to patient incentive programs.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of safe handling/food preparation procedures in a restaurant environment

Knowledge of local laws and regulations related to restaurant operations.

Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and appliances used in quantity food preparation and service.

Knowledge of food storage and preservation

Skills in operating, cleaning, and sanitizing food service appliances and equipment

Skills in cash handling and cash register reconciliations

Skills in operating a computer and applicable software.

Ability to calculate food requirement.

Ability to maintain accurate records and inventories.

Ability to prepare food service requisitions.

Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Texas Food Protection Managers Certification or equivalent within three (3) months of employment.

Initial Screening Criteria

Two (2) years’ experience in food service work.

At least one (1) year experience overseeing staff in a food service environment.

Additional Information

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions .

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.