Elementary Cafeteria Manager

Wayne County Schools Employment Network; Canton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 20,866 - 29,718; Full time

Job summary

A local school district is seeking an Elementary Cafeteria Manager to oversee kitchen operations at Dodson Elementary School. The role involves ensuring compliance with food safety standards, maintaining accurate records, and supporting a positive kitchen culture. Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least two years of experience in food service. Starting pay is $18.36 per hour, with work expected to begin in August 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience in institutional or school food service.
• Demonstrated understanding of food safety, sanitation, and USDA nutrition standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with peers and supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Support daily kitchen operations and assist with administrative responsibilities.
• Assist in completing and reviewing documentation like production records.
• Organize food preparation, service, and clean-up in alignment with USDA guidelines.

Skills

Communication

Food safety compliance

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position

Elementary Cafeteria Manager

Location

Dodson Elementary School, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools

Hours

40 hours per week

Job Summary

The Elementary Cafeteria Manager supports the efficient and compliant operation of school food service by modeling excellence in daily kitchen operations and assisting with administrative responsibilities. This position serves as the on‑site point of contact for kitchen staff during meal service and helps ensure procedures are followed related to food safety, menu compliance, documentation, and inventory. While the Team Lead provides informal leadership and guidance to peers, the position does not include formal supervisory, disciplinary, or evaluative authority.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years experience in institutional or school food service.
• Demonstrated understanding of food safety, sanitation, and USDA nutrition standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with peers, supervisors, and school staff.
• Capable of maintaining accurate records and completing required documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe Certification (must obtain within 90 days).
• Experience completing production records and inventory tracking in a school kitchen environment.
• Familiarity with USDA Child Nutrition Programs and Smart Snacks guidelines.

Support kitchen operations and meal service

• Organize food preparation, service, and clean‑up in alignment with USDA guidelines and department procedures.
• Coordinate kitchen workflow and task assignments to ensure timely and efficient service.
• Verify deliveries, monitor inventory usage, and report discrepancies or shortages.
• Identify and elevate equipment issues, supply needs, or staffing concerns to department leadership.
• Cooperate with inspections and consulting agencies: Wayne County Health Dept. and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ensure compliance and accurate record‑keeping

• Assist in completing and reviewing documentation such as production records, temperature logs, food waste tracking, and delivery receipts.

Monitor food safety and allergen procedures; report deviations or concerns to the designated supervisor promptly.

Serve as site liaison and department representative

• Act as the primary contact for communication with Food & Nutrition Services leadership regarding menus, service needs, and kitchen updates.
• Foster a collaborative relationship with building administrators by communicating proactively on student needs, school schedules, and cross‑functional coordination while upholding Food & Nutrition Services Department operational purview over all kitchen operations, facilities, equipment, and cafeteria staff.
• Represent and reinforce departmental protocols within the school building, ensuring role clarity and consistent practices.

Support training and peer development

• Assist with onboarding and orientation for new staff and substitutes by providing guidance on daily procedures, documentation, and food safety practices.

Model exemplary customer service, sanitation, and meal presentation to promote a positive and consistent kitchen culture.

Other

• Fast‑paced school kitchen environment; may require lifting up to 40 pounds, standing for extended periods, and working near hot equipment.
• Must be able to work scheduled shifts aligned with school hours and occasional training days.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Food Service Coordinator or Assistant Director.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must frequently stand, talk, hear, sometimes walk and sit, bend or twist at the neck, lift or push up to 50 lbs, and be directly responsible for safety and well‑being of other people. The employee requires close vision to read handwritten or typed materials and adjust focus.

Work Environment

Plymouth‑Canton Community School district is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. The district is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reporting To

Food Service Coordinator and Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services

Rate of Pay

Starting at $18.36 per hour

Start Date

August 2026 (exact date to be determined)

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.

Method of Application

INTERNAL APPLICANTS – Apply online using the Internal Applicants section. You will be required to upload the following documents to your application:

• Letter of interest
• Updated resume
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement (attach in resume section). This statement should include your understanding and Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion including your past experiences and how you will ensure this is at the center of your work in the role for which you are applying.

EXTERNAL APPLICANTS – Apply online using the External Applicants section. You will be required to upload the following documents to your application:

• Cover Letter – Address letter to Abdul Madyun, Chief Human Resource Officer
• Resume
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement (attach in resume section). This statement should include your understanding and Knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion including your past experiences and how you will ensure this is at the center of your work in the role for which you are applying.

Finger‑printing and Background Check

Upon recommendation for employment, Section 1230g, as amended, of the Revised School Code requires all school employees to be electronically finger printed for the purpose of undergoing a criminal history background check. The fingerprinting is conducted by a third party and is at the expense of the applicant. Cost for fingerprinting is approximately $70.00.