Kitchen Manager

SLA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

SLA is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead daily school cafeteria operations, guiding staff, maintaining food safety, and delivering quality meals to students. You will oversee production, service, inventory, and compliance with policies in a fast-paced school setting.

The role requires a high school diploma, ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain), and strong leadership and organizational skills. Prior supervisory and food service experience are preferred, with a focus on safety and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• ServSafe certification required (or willing to obtain prior to start).
• Food service experience required; school nutrition experience preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Inventory and ordering experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all food production and service to meet quality, safety, and portion standards
• Train and supervise kitchen staff on recipes, equipment safety, and sanitation
• Prepare daily and weekly paperwork, reports, and schedules
• Monitor inventory and ensure proper ordering, receiving, and storage of supplies
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and report any repair needs
• Enforce compliance with HACCP, health department regulations, and ServSafe standards
• Manage labor and ensure schedules align with staffing and budget needs
• Uphold company policies and administer fair, consistent performance evaluations
• Ensure accurate temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and food safety documentation
• Follow proper cash handling and reconciliation procedures
• Act as the on-site leader responsible for smooth, safe, and efficient kitchen operations
• Submit reports and complete tasks on time as assigned
• Perform other duties as needed to support the school and food service program

Skills

Communication

Time management

Multitasking

Leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Run the Heart of School Meals? Become a Kitchen Manager! Are you ready to lead a team, run a kitchen, and feed hundreds of students every day? As a Kitchen Manager, you'll take ownership of daily operations in a school cafeteria, managing staff, ensuring food safety, and delivering great service. If you have a passion for food, strong organization skills, and leadership experience, this is your chance to make a real impact in your community.

Position Summary

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for the daily food service operations at an assigned school site. This includes overseeing food preparation and service, training kitchen staff, managing inventory, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and company policies. The role requires both hands‑on support and leadership in a fast‑paced kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all food production and service to meet quality, safety, and portion standards
• Train and supervise kitchen staff on recipes, equipment safety, and sanitation
• Prepare daily and weekly paperwork, reports, and schedules
• Monitor inventory and ensure proper ordering, receiving, and storage of supplies
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and report any repair needs
• Enforce compliance with HACCP, health department regulations, and ServSafe standards
• Manage labor and ensure schedules align with staffing and budget needs
• Uphold company policies and administer fair, consistent performance evaluations
• Ensure accurate temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and food safety documentation
• Follow proper cash handling and reconciliation procedures
• Act as the on‑site leader responsible for smooth, safe, and efficient kitchen operations
• Submit reports and complete tasks on time as assigned
• Perform other duties as needed to support the school and food service program

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• ServSafe certification required (or willing to obtain prior to start)
• Food service experience required; school nutrition experience preferred
• Prior supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Inventory and ordering experience preferred
• Strong communication, time management, and multitasking skills
• Reliable transportation required
• Comfortable working around children and within a school environment
• Must pass a background check and fingerprint screening
• Experience with POS systems and online reporting preferred
• Basic math and computer literacy required

Physical & Work Environment

Full‑time schedule Monday through Friday, with some extended weeks as needed. May require participation in company meetings or trainings. Ability to stand for full shift and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally. Frequent walking, reaching, bending, and use of hands. Moderate kitchen noise level and fast‑paced working conditions.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Gender/Minority/Veterans/Disabled and participate with E-Verify Employment Eligibility Program.