Elementary Assistant Lead

Illinois School District U-46; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois School District U-46 in Elgin, IL is seeking an Elementary Assistant Lead to manage breakfast and lunch service, supervise meal prep, and ensure compliance with national and state programs.

You will work under the Elementary Field Manager, maintain inventories, record daily production, and assist with student meals, cashiering, and reporting while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in food service and customer service preferred.
• Ability to manage money and perform cashiering duties.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, distribute and manage school meal programs following guidelines.
• Distributes/Posts monthly menus.
• Assists with ordering meals and supplies from Commissary.
• Maintain daily production records and monthly inventory.
• Handle banking and deposits as needed.
• Maintain kitchen and cafeteria equipment and facilities.
• Assist with marketing the breakfast and lunch programs as directed.

Skills

Food service

Cashiering

Customer service

Inventory management

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Gmail

Google Workspace

Job description

• Position Type:
  Food Service/ Elementary Assistant Lead
  
• Date Posted:
  10/27/2026
  
• Date Available:
  10/27/2026
  
• Closing Date:
  06/01/2027
  

Work Days: 190 Reports To: Elementary Field Manager

JD Revision Date: 05/02/2025 Supervises: N/A

Function / Position Summary

Responsible for all daily duties related to the preparation and serving of breakfast, lunch and any after school meals. Adheres to the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs as well as any after school program guidelines and requirements in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations. Display professionalism and provide excellent customer service at all times. May be required to leave the main work site on occasion for meetings, workshops and trainings as needed.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Prepare, distribute and manage all school meal programs following local, state and federal guidelines.
• Distributes/Posts monthly menus.
• Assists weekly projections to order all meals and supplies from the Commissary.
• Assists with maintaining accurate daily production records and monthly inventory. Submitting all reports as needed on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, meeting all timelines set by management.
• With guidance from the Lead, is fiscally responsible for maintaining inventory amounts as set by the Director of the department.
• Responsible for proper receiving and storage of all products upon delivery. Using correct FIFO/FEFO procedures.
• Completes daily bookkeeping tasks, including sales reports/ student/staff meal payments, negative student balance letters, reconciling totals for accuracy and closes/balances all service lines.
• Assist with banking monies and accurate deposits.
• Consistent cleaning and maintenance of all kitchen and cafeteria equipment. Passing all internal site reviews and any ISBE/Health department inspections without any critical violations.
• Assist with marketing the breakfast and lunch programs as directed by management. Including helping with forming a Youth Advisory Council and having monthly meetings.
• Will learn in detail all aspects of the job as well as working together with the Lead to maintain shared responsibilities.
• In the absence of the Lead, is able to step in and perform all aspects of the job as backup.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
• Must possess a valid Certified Professional Food Manager Certification, previously known as sanitation certificate. Certificate shall be obtained by the start of the second school term of employment.

Experience / Knowledge

• Experience preferred in a position of responsibility in the Food Service industry and customer service.
• Computer proficiency preferred.
• Knowledge of district and department software programs a bonus.
• Accuracy in handling money (cashiering, banking, etc.).
• Ability to demonstrate both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to develop a working relationship with staff and principal within the school you are assigned.
• Ability to communicate on a consistent basis with the school office/staff any pertinent information that will affect meal programs. (i.e. Menu changes, allergies, field trips)
• Ability to use Gmail and answer email in a timely manner.
• Should be well spoken and have the ability to express thoughts and ideas.
• Hold a State of Illinois Food Handler card and demonstrate specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job which includes. If Certification is not current, must be able to obtain within 30 days of employment

Physical Demands

• Ability to work indoors in a busy kitchen environment with exposure to noise, heat, cleaning solutions and cooking fumes.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with proper technique
• Wears appropriate uniform and shoes as required.

Terms of Employment

• This is a 10-month position. Hours vary due to specific buildings breakfast and lunch schedules. Salary and benefits are as established by SEIU collective bargaining agreement.
• Must complete all FNS and District mandated GNC tutorials, monthly safety training, and department sponsored training per USDA requirements by their due dates.
• Must be able to adhere to all Blackout dates according to the Food and Nutrition Calendar.
• Attend all back to school and professional development meetings/training required.
• Maintain a positive attendance record as specified in FNS Department Handbook & SEIU contract.