Child Nutrition Manager | 2026/2027 SY

Elementary / Middle / High School; Jacksonville (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Lighthouse Charter School, Jacksonville, AR, is seeking a Kitchen Manager to oversee daily school nutrition operations, ensuring meals meet federal, state, and local guidelines. This role emphasizes safety, organization, and a culture of care for scholars.

The ideal candidate will have food service management experience, ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain), and strong leadership and communication skills to supervise staff and manage resources effectively.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior food service management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program guidelines preferred.
• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain).
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to lead and supervise staff effectively.
• Commitment to scholar-centered service.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily food service operations to ensure compliance, efficiency, safety, and a positive dining experience for scholars.
• Provide training and coaching to ensure safety and service standards.
• Ensure all food safety protocols are followed and inspections are prepared for.
• Track inventory and manage supply levels; assist with cost control.
• Foster a welcoming and respectful dining environment and support scholar engagement.

Skills

Staff supervision

Food service management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

ServSafe certification

USDA guidelines knowledge

Scholar-centered service

Leadership

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Arkansas Lighthouse Charter School Elementary / Middle / High School - Jacksonville, Arkansas Open in Google Maps

Child Nutrition Manager | 2026/2027 SY

Arkansas Lighthouse Charter School Elementary / Middle / High School - Jacksonville, Arkansas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Arkansas Lighthouse Charter Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5642241
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Apr 13, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Jul 1, 2026

Job Description

At Arkansas Lighthouse Charter School (ARLCS), we engage, embrace, and empower scholars, families, and community members to create a vibrant, supportive local ecosystem for all through education. We believe healthy relationships, operational excellence, and strong systems are foundational to scholar success. Our Kitchen Manager plays a critical role in ensuring our scholars receive nutritious meals in a safe, organized, and mission-aligned environment.

Position Summary

The Kitchen Manager oversees all daily food service operations to ensure compliance, efficiency, safety, and a positive dining experience for scholars. This leader ensures meals are prepared and served in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining a culture of professionalism, accountability, and care. This role requires organization, leadership, attention to detail, and a commitment to serving scholars with dignity and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily food preparation and meal service operations

• Ensure compliance with USDA, Arkansas Department of Health, and Child Nutrition Program guidelines

• Maintain accurate production records, temperature logs, and inventory documentation

• Order food and supplies within budget parameters

• Monitor portion control and minimize food waste

Team Supervision

• Provide training and coaching to ensure safety and service standards

• Model professionalism and accountability

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure all food safety protocols are followed

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards

• Prepare for and respond to inspections

• Monitor proper food storage and equipment maintenance

Financial & Inventory Management

• Track inventory and manage supply levels

• Assist with cost control

• Maintain required documentation for reimbursement and reporting

Culture & Scholar Experience

• Foster a welcoming and respectful dining environment

• Ensure meals are served efficiently and courteously

• Support ARLCS's commitment to healthy relationships and community engagement

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Prior food service management experience preferred

• Knowledge of USDA Child Nutrition Program guidelines preferred

• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain)

• Strong organizational and communication skills

• Ability to lead and supervise staff effectively

• Commitment to scholar-centered service

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds

• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment

Why Join Lighthouse?

At ARLCS, mastery of standards is a byproduct of our deeper purpose: preparing scholars to activate their hopes and dreams and impact their communities.

Our team members are:

• Mission-driven

• Growth-oriented

• Collaborative

• Committed to excellence

If you believe operational excellence and healthy systems create space for scholar success, we invite you to apply.

Position Type: Full-Time
Job Categories:

Support Staff > Food Service

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• ARLCS Human Resources
• 251 N. 1st ST.
• JACKSONVILLE, Arkansas 72076
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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