Districtwide K-12 Food Service GM – Lead & Grow

SFE- Southwest Foodservice Excellence; McGehee (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SFE- Southwest Foodservice Excellence is seeking a General Manager to oversee K-12 food service operations across a school district. You will lead salaried managers and hourly staff, direct account relationships, and manage budgets while driving nutritious meals and student participation.

You will partner with district leaders, develop assistants, and implement programs to grow contracts and ensure compliance with safety standards. A strong leader who can execute strategically is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or relevant vocational training (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in food service, with 2–3 years as a Food Service Director (K-12 experience preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience with POS systems and online reporting tools preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• P&L accountability experience and strong cost control skills.
• Must be able to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and MVR audit (driving required).
• Deep knowledge of food service trends, food safety, cost controls, and K-12 nutrition standards.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with executive leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage salaried managers and hourly associates across multiple school sites.
• Direct all aspects of account management and client relationships.
• Train and develop Assistant Managers to support business expansion or new contracts.
• Lead innovative efforts to increase student participation and support academic success.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with district administrators and school boards.
• Hire, train, evaluate, and support the development of all staff.
• Oversee budget preparation and manage labor, food, and operational costs.
• Ensure timely completion of required reports including inventory, production, and payroll.
• Oversee food preparation and service in accordance with quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Drive performance in sales, service, facility appearance, and cleanliness through staff training and development.
• Follow all cash handling and reconciliation procedures.
• Support daily service operations when needed to ensure smooth functioning.
• Implement marketing and promotional activities to support program growth.
• Fulfill additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Communication

P&L accountability

Staff development

Education

High school diploma / GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

POS systems

Adobe Acrobat

Microsoft Excel/Word

Job description

SFE- Southwest Foodservice Excellence is seeking a General Manager to oversee K-12 food service operations across a school district. You will lead salaried managers and hourly staff, direct account relationships, and manage budgets while driving nutritious meals and student participation.

You will partner with district leaders, develop assistants, and implement programs to grow contracts and ensure compliance with safety standards. A strong leader who can execute strategically is essential.