Cook - Lehigh Valley Meal Center

Whitsons Culinary Group; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, vision insurance + 401

Paid time off and holidays

Mon-Fri, no nights or weekends

Job summary

Whitsons Culinary Group is seeking a hands-on Food Service Supervisor for the Lehigh Valley Meal Center in Allentown, PA. You will support daily operations, ensure USDA program compliance, and drive a team delivering healthy, high-quality meals for students.

The role emphasizes on-site leadership, budgeting, training, and a strong focus on food safety. ServSafe certification is required or obtainable, with a Monday–Friday schedule and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with concentration in food, nutrition, or related field.
• Certifications: ServSafe mandatory or able to obtain.
• Experience in K-12 school nutrition programs preferred.
• Strong communication and leadership skills are essential.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and email platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple school kitchens.
• Lead a team to prepare and serve nutritious meals for students.
• Assist with scheduling, inventory, and compliance with USDA programs.
• Train and mentor staff; promote a positive kitchen culture.
• Monitor budgets and manage food costs and commodities.
• Support audits, inspections, and on-site readiness.

Skills

Food Service Management (3+ years)

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Critical thinking

Spanish (desirable)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food/nutrition or related field

Bachelor’s degree + state certificate in related field

Associate degree + 1 year school nutrition experience

High School diploma + 5 years school nutrition experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Food Service Supervisor - Lehigh Valley Meal Center

#17668

Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States

Requisition Number

17668

Location

Lehigh Valley Meal Service Center

Job Description

School Lunch Supervisor – Support, Lead & Grow in School Nutrition!

School Dining Support & Leadership

Are you a hands-on food service professional with a heart for helping teams succeed? Join our school nutrition team as an School Lunch Supervisor , where you’ll support daily operations, ensure compliance, and help deliver healthy meals that fuel student success.

What You’ll Do:

• Support the General Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations across multiple school kitchens
• Help lead a team that prepares and serves nutritious, high-quality meals to students
• Assist with scheduling, inventory, food safety, and compliance with USDA nutrition programs (NSLP, SBP, etc.)
• Serve as a key point of contact for school staff and clients in the absence of the General Manager
• Train, mentor, and support team members to promote a positive and productive kitchen culture
• Monitor budgetary goals, help manage costs, and ensure effective use of commodities
• Assist with audits, inspections, and ensure kitchens are always ready for review
• Be present in the schools—80% of your day will be spent in action, supporting your teams on-site
• 3+ years of food service management experience, preferably in a K–12 or institutional setting
• A culinary background with working knowledge of recipes, production, and portion control
• Strong communication, leadership, and time management skills
• Knowledge of USDA meal programs and local health department guidelines
• Ability to multi-task, think critically, and solve problems on the go
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and email communication
• ServSafe certification required (or ability to obtain)
• Spanish-speaking a plus!

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and professional growth opportunities
• Family-friendly schedule – Monday through Friday, no nights or weekends
• Health, dental, vision insurance + 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Make a meaningful difference in students’ health, well‑being, and success

About Us:

At Whitsons Culinary Group, we believe school meals should be delicious, nutritious, and made with purpose. As an Assistant Food Service Manager, you’ll help lead the charge in creating a food program that’s more than just meals—it’s a key part of every student’s day. Your leadership and support will ensure that kitchens run smoothly, teams feel empowered, and students leave the lunch line ready to thrive.

$20.00 per hour

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business or a related field. OR
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with any academic major AND a state recognized certificate in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, or business. OR
• Associates degree or equivalent with concentration in food and nutrition, food service management, dietetics, family and consumer sciences, nutrition education, culinary arts, business or a related field AND at least one year of relevant school nutrition programs experience. OR
• High School diploma or GED AND at least Five (5) years experience in school nutrition programs.

Certifications:

• ServSafe Mandatory– Local food safety certification if required in jurisdiction of employment. Must be knowledgeable of all local health and food safety ordinances.

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Must be able to communicate electronically through use of email and other similar computer platforms.
• Able to learn new programs easily and quickly.

Other Qualifications, Experience and Competencies:

• 3 years experience in Food Service Management as a Manager/Manager required.
• Minimum 1 year experience in K-12 programs required. Strong interest in school nutrition program development.
• Culinary background is required - Must have a passion and an interest in food
• Working knowledge of cooking procedures and recipe adherence and scaling.
• Must have demonstrated experience developing talent and managing multiple priorities
• Must be able to use “critical thinking” skills in order to resolve problems or would result in improving program overall.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally, electronically and written with clients, parents, students and support staff.
• Must possess excellent time management and organizational skills
• Bilingual Spanish is highly desirable.

Work Schedule

5am - 1pm, Monday - Friday

Nancy Baker

Salary Target

$20/hour

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