District Manager

SLA; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SLA is seeking a District Manager to lead food service operations across multiple school districts in the Jacksonville area, driving client relationships and program excellence.

You will coach General Managers, manage budgets, and ensure safety and quality while traveling up to 50% to support sites and achieve contract goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in food service or multi-unit management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with POS and financial analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication; board and executive presentation skills.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation; clean driving record.
• Background check, fingerprinting, and MVR audit required.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and manage budgets.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage relationships with district clients and stakeholders.
• Develop tailored account plans and conduct performance reviews.
• Ensure high-quality food service meeting contracts and customer expectations.
• Oversee budgeting, labor, and food cost management for the region.
• Lead and coach General Managers; promote accountability and service excellence.
• Monitor KPIs and performance metrics; drive continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with HR, Payroll, Accounting, and Sales to support sites.
• Travel up to 50% and drive between locations for in-person meetings.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Communication

Multi-unit management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

POS platforms

Financial analysis tools

Job description

Drive Regional Impact - Step into a District Manager Role in K-12 Food Service! Are you a strategic leader with a passion for food service and people? As a District Manager, you'll oversee operations across multiple school districts, lead high-performing teams, and build strong partnerships with clients and communities. This is a chance to take your multi-unit management skills to the next level while shaping the future of school nutrition and service excellence.

Position Summary

The District Manager is responsible for leading food service operations across multiple schools and regions. Reporting to senior leadership, this role focuses on high-level client relationships, operational success, team development, and financial performance. The District Manager ensures that all sites meet company standards while building strategic partnerships and driving growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Account Management: Build strong relationships with district clients and stakeholders
• Develop tailored account plans and lead regular performance reviews with clients
• Ensure delivery of high-quality food service that meets both contract and customer expectations
• Act as liaison between the company and district leadership, school boards, parents, and students
• Oversee strategic account planning, communication, and client satisfaction initiatives
• Financial Leadership: Manage financial performance of assigned region including budgets, labor, and food costs
• Understand and act on contract terms, identifying risks and negotiating client changes
• Improve productivity and resource planning across sites
• Escalate high-risk issues promptly to senior leadership
• Support budget compliance and growth planning in collaboration with executive leadership
• Team Development & Oversight: Coach and support General Managers across the region
• Promote a leadership-driven culture focused on accountability and service excellence
• Foster professional growth and strategic thinking within the team
• Address operational issues, guide through conflict resolution, and maintain strong safety culture
• Actively engage in succession planning and leadership development
• Operational Excellence: Monitor performance metrics, reports, and KPIs to identify areas for improvement
• Ensure GM compliance with food safety, labor, and operational policies
• Partner with internal departments (HR, Payroll, Accounting, Sales) to support site needs
• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate work assignments and regional operations
• Promote internal collaboration, clear communication, and strong company culture

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, or related field preferred
• 10+ years of experience in food service, restaurant, or related industry (including multi-unit management)
• Proven success in managing large teams, budgets, and operational outcomes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Experience with reporting systems, POS platforms, and financial analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to boards and executives
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation (driving required)
• Must be able to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and MVR audit
• Strong leadership presence, adaptability, and ability to work independently

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands
• Moderate noise environment
• Requires flexible schedule, occasional 6-7 day workweeks, and travel up to 50%
• Must be able to drive between locations and attend in-person meetings and events

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Gender/Minority/Veterans/Disabled and participates with E-Verify Employment Eligibility Program