Food Service Director - January 2027 Start

Sylvania; Michigan; On-site; USD 78,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania is seeking a Director of Food Service to oversee district-wide operations, ensuring nutritional integrity and quality across menus. You will lead staff, promote program participation, and ensure compliance with state requirements while collaborating with the business manager on the department budget.

Applicants should have a nutrition degree or equivalent, appropriate certifications, strong leadership, and experience in food service management within an educational setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in nutrition with a district focus.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a major or concentration and a state certificate or 1 year of relevant experience.
• Associates degree in food and nutrition with 1 year of relevant experience.
• High school diploma (or GED) and 3 years of relevant food service experience.
• Knowledge of NSBP and NSLP requirements for meals, reimbursement, and reporting.
• ServSafe Manager Certification.
• ServSafe Allergen Certification.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily district food service operations and lead district-wide program.
• Recruit, direct, schedule, and supervise staff.
• Promote participation in the school meal program for students and staff.
• Ensure compliance with Michigan Department of Education requirements.
• Plan menus meeting nutritional standards and student preferences.
• Collaborate with business manager on budget and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and implement staff training for professional development hours.
• Maintain kitchen facilities/equipment per safety and sanitation standards.
• Follow MDE procurement procedures and board policies.
• Liaise between food service, administration, parents, students and community.
• Maintain food service website and social media information.
• Work with parents of students with allergies to develop options.
• Maintain confidentiality of student/household information.
• Assist department in all aspects of food service.
• Adapt to a fast-paced, changing work environment.

Skills

Leadership

NSBP/NSLP knowledge

Communication

ServSafe Manager

ServSafe Allergen

Driver’s license

Meal Magic POS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nutrition

State certificate for school nutrition directors

Associates degree in food and nutrition

High school diploma + 3 years experience

Job description

220 Day Contract (Prorated for 2026/2027)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1. For schools with student enrollment of 2,499 or less, a Director must have one of the following:
• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent educational experience with a major in food and nutrition.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education experience with a major or area of concentration, and a state recognized certificate for school nutrition directors or at least 1 year of relevant food service experience.
• Associates degree, with academic major in food and nutrition and at least 1 year of relevant food service experience.
• High school diploma (or GED) and 3 years of relevant food service experience.
• 2. Knowledge of the National School Breakfast Program (NSBP) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) related to meal requirements, dietary guidelines, reimbursement, reporting procedures, and eligibility.
• 3. ServSafe Manager Certification
• 4. ServSafe Allergen Certification
• 5.Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• 6. Meal Magic POS system experienced preferred.
• 7. Valid MI Driver’s License
• 8. Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 1. Oversee daily food service operations across the district and provide leadership in the district-wide food service program that focuses on customer satisfaction, nutritional integrity, and product quality.
• 2. Recruit, direct, schedule, and supervise staff while fostering a positive, team-oriented work environment.
• 3. Promote a welcoming environment that encourages participation in the school meal program for both students and staff.
• 4. Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Michigan Department of Education.
• 5. Plan menus that meet the nutritional standards and meet student preferences.
• 6. Work closely with the business manager to ensure the food service budget is cost-effective and fiscally responsible.
• 7. Develop and implement training programs for staff to meet the required professional development hours.
• 8. Ensure kitchen facilities and equipment are maintained and comply with safety and sanitation standards of the local regulatory agencies.
• 9. Follow MDE procurement procedures and board policy guidelines.
• 10. Act as a liaison between the food service department, school administration, parents, students, and the community.
• 11. Maintain the information on the food service website and social media sites.
• 12. Work with parents of students who have food allergies to develop options for the student.
• 13. Maintain confidentiality regarding student and household information.
• 14. Willing to assist department in all aspects of food service.
• 15. Able to adapt to a fast paced, changing work environment.

NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE:

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.