Nutrition Services | 8hr 52wk Field Performance & Training Lead

Fort Wayne Community Schools; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Wayne Community Schools is seeking a Field Performance & Training Lead to strengthen operational consistency across Nutrition Services. This role focuses on developing standardized training for cafeteria managers, conducting field observations, and implementing district-wide procedures.

The ideal candidate will have a degree or equivalent experience in a related field, strong communication skills, and knowledge of food safety practices. The position may require travel between district sites and offers opportunities to impact student success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, training, business, hospitality/food service, or nutrition, or equivalent experience.
• Experience designing and delivering training for adult learners.
• Ability to provide clear written guidance in training materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver standardized training for cafeteria managers.
• Create standard work and operational playbooks.
• Conduct routine site observations and document findings.
• Support district-wide rollouts with training content.
• Maintain a skills/certification matrix for relief coverage roles.

Skills

Training design and evaluation

Communication skills

Food safety knowledge

Proficiency with office tools

Operational compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Food Safety Training Certification

Tools

LINQ

Job description

PURPOSE

The Field Performance & Training Lead strengthens operational consistency across all Nutrition Services school sites by building and maintaining standardized training standard work and field performance routines. This position develops onboarding and refresher training for managers and key site roles, conducts field observations using consistent checklists, and supports implementation of district-wide SOPs. The Lead reduces operational variance, improves readiness, and expands coverage capability by maintaining skill/certification pathways (including relief staff) that ensure staff are deployed appropriately and effectively.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

• Bachelor’s degree in education, training, business, hospitality/food service, nutrition, or a related field, or three to five (3‑5) years of experience in training, operational improvement, quality assurance, or food service operations in lieu of a degree.
• Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating training for adult learners (formal or on-the-job).
• Ability to deliver engaging training and provide clear written guidance (checklists, job aids, SOP summaries).
• Working knowledge of food safety/HACCP practices and operational compliance expectations (USDA school meal program knowledge preferred).
• Strong written communication skills including documentation of findings, corrective actions, and training materials.
• Proficiency with office productivity tools and ability to learn/operate district systems (e.g., LINQ and related tools).
• Food Safety Training Certification (must obtain within 30 days of employment).
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and ability to travel between district sites.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop, maintain, and deliver standardized onboarding and refresher training for cafeteria managers and key site roles aligned to department SOPs and compliance requirements.
• Create and maintain standard work and operational playbooks for recurring field processes (readiness routines, service flow, sanitation routines, breakfast execution, and other critical procedures).
• Conduct routine site observations using standardized checklists; document findings, communicate expectations, and coordinate corrective actions with site leaders and operations leadership.
• Support district-wide rollouts (procedure updates, menu/service changes) by developing training content and implementation guides to drive consistent adoption across sites.
• Maintain a skills/certification matrix for relief coverage roles (including special assignment floaters); develop tiered training pathways (e.g., elementary coverage certification; secondary support certification) to expand coverage capability.
• Coordinate and track training completion and required certifications; assist with scheduling and implementation of cross‑training initiatives and onboarding processes.
• Identify recurring operational breakdowns and recommend solutions through simplification, standardization, training, and follow‑up verification.
• Support field performance routines by preparing segment‑aligned observations and summaries that inform coaching priorities and improvement actions.
• Support the FWCS Schools of Success mission to empower all students to reach their potential through equitable and relevant community‑connected experiences to ensure students achieve at least one of the 4E’s – Enrollment, Employment, Enlistment, or Entrepreneurship.
• Positively promote and embody the FWCS Schools of Success six core competencies in daily work: Creativity and Innovation, Critical and Analytical Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, Cultural Agility, and Self‑Direction.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Communication Skills: ability to speak clearly and hear effectively in various environments.
• Manual Dexterity: adeptness in the use of hands and fingers.
• Postural Endurance: sit or stand for prolonged periods as the job requires.
• Flexibility: ability to bend at the waist, kneel, or crouch to perform specific duties.
• Visual Acuity: close‑vision ability with the capacity to adjust focus.
• Mobility: freedom to sit or walk at will throughout the work environment.
• Strength and Stamina: capability to lift, carry, push or pull up to forty (40) pounds or more.
• Outdoor Work: tolerance of work outside in various weather conditions.

FWCS will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.