Elementary Cafeteria Manager

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools; Canton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 20,866 - 29,718; Full time

Job summary

A local school district in Michigan is seeking an Elementary Cafeteria Manager to oversee kitchen operations at Dodson Elementary. This role includes supporting meal service, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and maintaining accurate records. Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma and at least two years of experience in institutional food service. The role requires effective communication and teamwork skills. A ServSafe Certification is preferred but must be obtained within 90 days of employment. Starting pay is $18.36 per hour.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience in institutional or school food service.
• Demonstrated understanding of food safety and USDA nutrition standards.
• Capable of maintaining accurate records and completing documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen operations and meal service ensuring compliance with USDA guidelines.
• Coordinate kitchen workflow for timely and efficient service.
• Maintain documentation for production records and food safety.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Communication skills

Recordkeeping ability

Collaborative teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Type

Food and Nutrition Services/ Elementary School Manager

Date Posted

2/26/2026

Location

DODSON ELEMENTARY

POSITION

Elementary Cafeteria Manager

LOCATION

Dodson Elementary School

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 to 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.

Demonstrated ability to lead by example and foster a collaborative team environment.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but not limited to:

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.
• Cooperates with various inspections and consulting agencies: Wayne County Health Dept. and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Ensure compliance and accurate recordkeeping

• 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 the Food & Nutrition Services Department's 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.

Refer any concerns or requests beyond the Team Lead's scope to the appropriate Food & Nutrition Services chain of command.

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.

This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

REPORTS TO

Food Service Coordinator and Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services

RATE OF PAY

Starting at $18.36

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.

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 is frequently required to stand and talk or hear and sometimes walk and sit. Occasionally the employee will bend or twist at the neck more than the average person. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well‑being, or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Plymouth-Canton Community School district is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Plymouth-Canton Community School 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.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

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.