Executive Director of Food Services

Jefferson Parish School District; Marrero (LA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Jefferson Parish Schools CHILD NUTRITION in Marrero, LA, seeks an Executive Director of Food Services to oversee district food service operations, budget, compliance, and menu development. You will lead staff, liaise with community partners, and drive nutrition initiatives across schools.

This role requires strategic oversight, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of food service management, nutrition education, public health nutrition, clinical or administrative dietetics, or cooperative extension, with demonstrated success in planning and implementing food services operations.
• In-depth knowledge of food services management and related procurement regulations.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision making.
• Collaborative management style and ability to handle multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates the Food Services staff and operations.
• Oversees budgeting, purchasing, and contract negotiations for food services.
• Ensures compliance with federal/state regulations and district policies.
• Develops school menus considering dietary restrictions and nutrition.
• Leads recruitment, hiring, and training of food service employees.
• Liaises with community partners on health and wellness programs.
• Prepares reports and presents progress to the Chief Operations Officer.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Budgeting

Regulatory knowledge

Strategic thinking

Education

High School/Trade School degree

Job description

Executive Director of Food Services

Jefferson Parish Schools CHILD NUTRITION - MARRERO, Louisiana Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Jefferson Parish Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5945334

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 30, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Position Description:

The Executive Director of Food Services is responsible for food services and catering programs in the Jefferson Parish Schools. The Executive Director of Food Services independently anticipates food services challenges and opportunities by designing and implementing a food services program that meets the needs of the district’s students. The Executive Director of Food Services directs and coordinates the food services staff of the Food Services Department. The Executive Director of Food Services serves as the liaison for the district in working with community partners who offer health and wellness related programs and services and works as an advocate to government, professional and business entities on behalf of the district on matters of food, health and wellness that impact JPS’ students and staff. The position can require extend or on call work hours due to emergencies or extenuating circumstances related to safety or operational routine.

Reports To: Chief Operations Officer

Scope of Responsibility:

• Works closely with the food services staff and the Chief Operations Officer to drive the mission, vision, and a set of measurable objectives for the Food Services
• Holds the Food Services Department team accountable for meeting their objectives and conducts formal performance evaluations in accordance with JPS’ evaluation schedule for central office
• Presents progress reports on each team to the Chief Operations
• Ensures the Food Services Department is in compliance with federal statutes and regulations, state laws, BESE rules and regulations, JPS policies and procedures, and relevant contractual
• Reviews, refines, and establishes processes and protocols to provide food services to students and maintain quality standards and quantity
• Oversees the development of school menus according to students’ dietary restrictions, purchasing, and nutritional
• Optimizes efficiency of food service operations, balancing labor and food cost in the department’s
• Directs bidding processes, contract negotiations and adherence, and product
• Supervises the processing and administration of meal applications, including those that are for the free/reduced price meal
• Facilitates internal and external inspections and reviews of food services to maintain high-quality service, safety, and sanitation
• Plans, prepares, and administers the annual Food Services Department budget and exercises proper financial
• Researches grant opportunities for expansion of new and existing food services
• Recommends and monitors the process for recruiting, hiring, and training of food service employees and substitute workers.
• Working with the district’s facilities and maintenance team, assesses kitchen equipment and facility needs.
• Working with the district’s legal team, drafts agreements for charter schools or other entities seeking food
• Responsible to carry and answer system issued phone before, during and after normal work hours due to emergencies or extenuating circumstances related to safety or operational
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Operations and Planning

Skills and Qualifications:

We seek detail-oriented, independent self-starters who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to raising student achievement and who have a record of high performance in challenging situations. Successful candidates will also demonstrate and/or possess:

• 5+ years of food service management, nutrition education, public health nutrition, clinical or administrative dietetics, or cooperative extension, with demonstrated success in planning and implementing food services operations in an ethically and fiscally sound
• In-depth knowledge of and experience with food services management and
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations governing procurement as related to food
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships and work with diverse
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to use quantitative and qualitative data to make decisions and
• Collaborative management style, with a proven track record of working with diverse individuals at all levels to drive decision-making and
• High degree of professionalism, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities, while consistently demonstrating sound judgment and disciplined
• Familiarity with district and school-level operations (preferred).
• Ability to be visionary and strategic is
• Specialization in Food Service or Nutrition with completion of academic coursework outlined by Bulletin

Desirable Qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge of the school system policies and

Physical Involvement

Standing, sitting, walking, reaching, bending, lifting up to 10 pounds is sometimes required. Ability to provide own transportation to schools, work locations, and meeting sites both inside and outside of the parish. Mobility skills necessary to access a variety of work locations.

Compensation

JPS offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. JPS also offers a competitive benefits package.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements

• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• PATRICK JENKINS
• CHILD NUTRITION
• Email: [e-mail]