School Kitchen Lead: Nutritious Meals & Safety

The Goddard School; O'Fallon (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

The Goddard School in Illinois is seeking a Kitchen Manager to prepare nutritious meals, manage inventory, and ensure nutrition and safety compliance in a childcare setting.

You will lead food service operations, maintain cleanliness, and support health inspections while communicating with staff, children, and families. Prior food prep experience in schools is preferred and licensing requirements apply.

Qualifications

• Willingness to obtain Food Service Manager License.
• Previous experience in food preparation, preferably in a school or childcare environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and follow food safety regulations.
• Comfortable working around children in a school setting.
• Ability to understand and follow internal food service and employment policies.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.
• Physical examination and current TB test or chest x-ray (if required).
• Clear background check in accordance with state childcare regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with health and licensing standards
• Manage food inventory, monitor supplies, and assist with ordering to ensure kitchen efficiency
• Ensure all meals meet state and federal guidelines for nutrition and safety
• Maintain high standards of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene throughout the kitchen area
• Maintain appropriate portion sizes and food presentation
• Keep the kitchen clean, organized, and inspection-ready
• Lead or assist with health inspections, follow-ups, and any required documentation
• Communicate effectively with staff, children, and families

Skills

Food safety

Attention to detail

Staff communication

Team player

Independent worker

Childcare environment experience

Background check

TB test clearance

Job description

The Goddard School in Illinois is seeking a Kitchen Manager to prepare nutritious meals, manage inventory, and ensure nutrition and safety compliance in a childcare setting.

You will lead food service operations, maintain cleanliness, and support health inspections while communicating with staff, children, and families. Prior food prep experience in schools is preferred and licensing requirements apply.