Food Operations Director

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc.; Brookings (SD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc. seeks a Food Operations Director to lead the food program across five clubs and three early childhood clubhouses.

You will supervise kitchen staff, ensure safe, nutritious meals, and manage food-related grants, while partnering with program staff to make nutrition engaging for youth. The role requires ensuring USDA/CACFP compliance, coordinating menus, and maintaining food safety across sites with weekly travel between Brookings and nearby

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• ServSafe Manager certification or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Experience in food service, kitchen management, or institutional/school food programs.

Responsibilities

• Supervise kitchen staff at all sites with hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, discipline, and termination input.
• Plan monthly menus that meet USDA and CACFP standards and address dietary needs.
• Oversee food purchasing, inventory, deliveries, storage, and site audits for safety and cleanliness.
• Track and report on food-related grants and partner with program staff on nutrition education.
• Ensure compliance with SD health, child care licensing, and CACFP requirements.

Skills

Staff supervision

Food service management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to earn in 90 days)

Job description

Food Operations Director

Chief Facilities & Safety Officer

Full-time, Exempt

$60,000 to $70,000 annually, based on experience

Corporate Office in Brookings; same-day travel between Brookings, Flandreau, Milbank, Vermillion, and Yankton

To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

For many of the kids we serve, the meal they get at the Club is one of the most reliable meals of their day. The Food Service Director leads our food program across five Boys & Girls Clubs and three early childhood Clubhouses. This person makes sure every young person has access to safe, nutritious, and welcoming meals and snacks. They lead a team of kitchen staff, keep our sites compliant with health and child nutrition program rules, and manage food-related grants. They also partner with program staff to make nutrition fun and meaningful.

• Serve as the direct supervisor for kitchen staff at all sites, with authority to hire, train, schedule, coach, discipline, and recommend termination. Unit Directors provide input on day-to-day performance.
• Build a supportive team culture where kitchen staff feel valued, trained, and connected to the mission.
• Provide temporary kitchen coverage during staffing vacancies while continuing to direct overall food service operations, and lead efforts to fill open positions quickly.
• Plan monthly menus for snacks, lunches, and suppers that meet USDA and CACFP meal pattern requirements.
• Coordinate meal modifications for youth with food allergies, disabilities, or other dietary needs, following program rules.
• Create a welcoming mealtime environment where every young person feels safe and respected, and no child is singled out.

TITLE: Food Operations Director

REPORTS TO: Chief Facilities & Safety Officer

CLASSIFIED: Full-time, Exempt

PAY RANGE: $60,000 to $70,000 annually, based on experience

LOCATION: Corporate Office in Brookings; same-day travel between Brookings, Flandreau, Milbank, Vermillion, and Yankton

MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

JOB SUMMARY: For many of the kids we serve, the meal they get at the Club is one of the most reliable meals of their day. The Food Service Director leads our food program across five Boys & Girls Clubs and three early childhood Clubhouses. This person makes sure every young person has access to safe, nutritious, and welcoming meals and snacks. They lead a team of kitchen staff, keep our sites compliant with health and child nutrition program rules, and manage food-related grants. They also partner with program staff to make nutrition fun and meaningful.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leading People

• Serve as the direct supervisor for kitchen staff at all sites, with authority to hire, train, schedule, coach, discipline, and recommend termination. Unit Directors provide input on day-to-day performance.
• Build a supportive team culture where kitchen staff feel valued, trained, and connected to the mission.
• Provide temporary kitchen coverage during staffing vacancies while continuing to direct overall food service operations, and lead efforts to fill open positions quickly.

Menus & Nutrition

• Plan monthly menus for snacks, lunches, and suppers that meet USDA and CACFP meal pattern requirements.
• Coordinate meal modifications for youth with food allergies, disabilities, or other dietary needs, following program rules.
• Create a welcoming mealtime environment where every young person feels safe and respected, and no child is singled out.

Operations, Safety & Compliance

• Manage food purchasing, inventory, deliveries, and storage across all sites.
• Conduct regular site visits and kitchen audits for cleanliness, food safety, and organization.
• Ensure all kitchens meet SD Department of Health requirements, child care licensing rules, and CACFP standards.
• Maintain required records, including menus, production records, and meal counts.
• Complete annual civil rights training for USDA programs and make sure kitchen staff complete required training.

Grants & Partnerships

• Lead the tracking, documentation, and reporting for food-related grants.
• Partner with program staff on nutrition education activities.
• Support food service for Club events and community gatherings.

Youth Safety

• Follow all BGCA and Club child safety policies, including rules about one-on-one contact with youth.
• Act as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse or neglect, following South Dakota law and Club procedures.
• Attend staff meetings, supervisor check-ins, and required trainings.
• Perform other related duties that support the Club's mission.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 2 years of experience in food service, kitchen management, or institutional or school food programs.
• At least 1 year of experience supervising staff.
• ServSafe Manager certification, or the ability to earn it within 90 days of hire.
• A valid driver's license and a driving record that meets the Club's insurance requirements for operating a Club vehicle.
• Strong organization and communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with CACFP, the National School Lunch Program, or USDA meal patterns.
• Grant reporting experience.
• Culinary, nutrition, or dietetics training.
• Experience working with youth.

SCHEDULE & TRAVEL:

• Typical schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Flexibility is needed to oversee food operations and to cover kitchen staffing gaps between 7:30 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Weekly same-day travel to sites as needed, with no overnight stays, using a Club-provided vehicle when possible.
• Occasional support for Club events, which may fall outside regular hours.

PHYSCIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs, such as food deliveries and supplies.
• Stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods in a kitchen setting.
• Drive between sites in varied South Dakota weather.
• Actively supervise and respond to youth and staff to support a safe environment.
• This position is considered to be safety-sensitive.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment depends on successfully completing background screening that meets BGCA and child care licensing standards. This includes fingerprint-based criminal history checks, sex offender registry checks, child abuse registry checks, and a driving record review. Employees also complete BGCA-required child safety training. This position is designated safety-sensitive under the Club's Drug-Free Workplace policy.