Food Services Director

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Middleton (MA); On-site; USD 88,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County Sheriff’s Department is seeking a Food Services Director to act as the primary operational liaison with the contracted food service provider, ensuring compliance, safety, and efficiency in inmate food service operations.

The role oversees daily vendor performance, conducts inspections for sanitation and security, coordinates with custody staff, and reports on diet adherence and contract compliance to management.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent; two years military experience preferred.
• Experience with vendor management, food service oversight or correctional operations.
• Familiarity with MA DOC and DPH food service regulations.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations; ServSafe certification and therapeutic/religious diet training preferred.
• Strong communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and respond appropriately in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance & Contract Oversight: ensure vendor compliance with policies and contracts; monitor menus, portions, diets and scheduling.
• Health, Sanitation & Safety: inspect kitchen/storage areas for health code and safety compliance; ensure proper cleaning, temperature control and pest management.
• Security & Reporting: follow security procedures during deliveries and meals; document sanitation/safety deficiencies and verify corrective actions.
• Operational Monitoring: verify inventory vs counts; monitor food cost, waste and efficiency; coordinate with vendor management and custody staff.

Skills

Vendor management

Food service oversight

Correctional operations

MA DOC & DPH regulations

Food safety (ServSafe)

Communication & documentation

Decision making under pressure

Education

Associate’s degree

Tools

ServSafe certification

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Food Services Director (2600071L)

Job Description

Food Services Director - ( 2600071L )

Description

General Statement of Duties:

This mid-management position serves as the primary operational liaison between the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and the contracted food service provider. This position answers directly to Assistant SuperintendentV or designated higher authority. It is responsible for the daily monitoring of vendor compliance, enforcing security and safety standards, and protecting the operational and contractual interests of the Sheriff’s Department. Work involves oversight of food service performance, verification of contractual obligations, coordination with custody staff regarding inmate workers, and regular inspections of kitchen and storage areas for sanitation, safety and security.

Supervision Received:

Works under the direct supervision of Assistant SuperintendentV or other employees of higher grade who provide guidance, assign work, and review performance through reports and periodic evaluations for adherence to policy and conformance with rules and regulations.

Supervision Exercised:

Exercise oversight of inmate workers assigned to food service and coordinates with custody staff. Does not directly supervise contracted food service employees but monitors and documents vendor performance.

Essential Functions:

Regulatory Compliance & Contract Oversight

• Ensure the contracted food service provider is in compliance with written policies and CMR’s. Monitor contract details: menus, portion standards, special diet requirements and daily service scheduling.
• Participate in vendor performance reviews and audits.
• Track vendor adherence to staffing, training, and safety requirements outlines in the contract.

Health, Sanitation & Safety

• Inspect kitchen and storage, and food preparation areas for compliance with health codes and safety regulations.
• Confirm cleaning, temperature control and pest control measures, meet required standards.
• Collaborate with the Office of Professional Standards – Inspection and Compliance Division and serve as the point of contact in the for annual inspections. Ensure meals are served under staff supervision to prevent favoritism and mishandling. Monitor inmate workers assigned to kitchen duties to ensure

compliance with facility rules, PPE use, and security protocols.

• Oversee tool, utensil and chemical control in coordination with custody staff.
• Ensure security procedures are followed during deliveries, storage, and meal distribution.
• Document and report any sanitation or safety deficiencies by either correctional or contracted food service employees and assist and verify corrective actions are taken.

Operational Monitoring

• In conjunction with management from the food service provider, verify that inventory records match physical counts; investigate discrepancies.
• Consistently inquire with management from the food service provider to be aware of food cost, waste and efficiency, and provide update to department management.
• Report operational deficiencies to vendor administration for follow-up/monitor follow up with the vendor.
• Is aware of substitutions and menu changes, ensuring dietician reviews and documentation as required by 103 DOC 760. Communication & Reporting
• Serve as the daily point of contact between department management and the food service provider on-site management.
• Prepare and submit inspection reports, diet adherence, incident reports, and monthly compliance summaries.
• Work with department management and the Contract Monitor to address compliance issues not resolved at the local level.
• Coordinate with custody, classification, and programs division on issues affecting food service.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position.

AAP/EEO Statement:

The Essex County Sheriff’s Department is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualifications

• § Associate’s degree and/or Two years Military Experience preferred.
• § Experience with vendor management, food service oversight or correctional operations.
• § Familiarity with MA DOC and DPH food service regulations
• § Knowledge of food safety regulations; ServSafe certification and therapeutic/religious diet training preferred.
• § Strong communication, , documentation, and organizational skills.
• § Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and respond appropriately in emergencies.

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Middleton-20 Manning Ave

Job

Food Services

Agency

Sherriff Dept Essex

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Oct 14, 2026, 3:32:53 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

88,321.03 - 108,533.42 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Aff... .

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : No