Kitchen Manager

Lunchtime Solutions; Columbus (NE); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Free meals every shift

Limited medical benefit plan

Job summary

Lunchtime Solutions in Columbus, Nebraska is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead daily kitchen operations at the Columbus School District. The role emphasizes preparing quality meals and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. You will manage team coordination and inventory while providing hands-on leadership.

The ideal candidate will have food service experience and a commitment to excellence, with opportunities for personal growth and a supportive work environment. Enjoy your evenings and weekends with a Monday–Friday schedule!

Qualifications

• 1+ year of food service experience in a supervisory role preferred.
• ServSafe certification or willingness to complete.
• Valid Driver's license and insurable driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily food production and ensure meals are prepared on time.
• Manage inventory and place food and supply orders.
• Champion food safety by monitoring practices and coaching team members.

Skills

Food service experience

Leadership

Customer service

Food safety knowledge

Inventory management

Education

HS Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

POS systems

Food-service software

Job description

It takes amazing people to make amazing dining experiences

Join our team! Lunchtime Solutions is a fast-growing company with a progressive work environment and great opportunities for personal growth. Make the most out of your talents and skills by helping to improve students’ school experience with better nutrition and an enjoyable dining atmosphere.

Location: On-site at Columbus School District
Schedule: Monday–Friday

Lunchtime Solutions is looking for a motivated, organized Kitchen Manager to lead daily kitchen operations and support a positive, efficient meal program for students and staff. If you enjoy leading a team, preparing great food, and keeping a kitchen running smoothly, this role is a fantastic fit.

The Kitchen Manager oversees daily kitchen operations, including food production, inventory, ordering, safety, and team coordination. This role ensures meals are prepared on time, meet quality standards, and follow all food‑safety and nutritional guidelines. It’s a hands‑on leadership position that keeps the kitchen organized, efficient, and running at its best.

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily food production by preparing meals, following recipes, ensuring serving‑time readiness, and supporting special diets and catering needs.
• Keep the kitchen organized and compliant by maintaining clean work areas, overseeing storage organization using FIFO, completing HACCP logs, production records, inventories, and monitoring participation trends and gross‑margin controls.
• Champion food safety by monitoring safe practices, coaching team members, and ensuring HACCP, HAZCOM, and safety checklists are completed and followed.
• Provide daily leadership by acting as the point of contact in the kitchen, helping troubleshoot issues, reinforcing policies, and supporting team communication.
• Manage inventory and ordering by placing food and supply orders, adjusting menus when needed, and maintaining prep lists and freezer pulls.
• Support and develop the team by training staff, coaching as needed, and filling in across district kitchens when required.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, team members, school staff, and customers, sharing feedback, needs, and operational updates.

What You Bring

• HS Diploma or GED preferred
• 1+ year of food service experience in a supervisory role preferred
• ServSafe certification or willingness to complete
• Valid Drivers license and insurable driving record
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, follow procedures, and maintain food‑safety standards
• Comfort using computer systems like: Microsoft Office, POS systems, and food‑service software
• Ability to follow recipes, measure ingredients, and convert quantities for large batches.
• Dependability, integrity, and a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform frequent standing, bending, twisting, and other physical tasks.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Enjoy your evenings and weekends our Monday–Friday daytime schedule means no late nights, no weekends, and no holidays spent in a kitchen.
• Follow the school-year rhythm work when school is in session and enjoy built‑in breaks when students are out.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) retirement plan
• Enjoy work life balance with paid time off and paid holidays
• Eat well enjoy a free, delicious meal every shift.
• Stay supported with a limited medical benefit plan available for those scheduled 5 hours or more everyday

Our Values

• Take pride in what you do
• Focus on customer success
• Be a person of integrity
• Drive to improve
• Do it with passion
• Express gratitude
• Work as a team
• Embrace a healthy work-life balance

Lunchtime Solutions Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. EOE-M/F/Disabled/Vet.View Policy