School Kitchen Manager - Lead, Food Safety & Service

Southwest Foodservice Excellence, Llc; Palestine (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Foodservice Excellence, Llc is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead daily operations in a school cafeteria. You will manage staff, oversee food safety, and ensure high-quality meals for students while maintaining compliance with policies and budgets.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, training, and coordinating meal service in a fast-paced environment. A ServSafe credential and strong organizational skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• ServSafe certification required or willing to obtain before 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.

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 HACCP, health department regulations, and ServSafe standards.
• Manage labor and ensure schedules align with staffing and budget needs.
• Uphold company policies and conduct fair, consistent performance evaluations.
• Ensure 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

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Time management

Multitasking

Reliability

Education

High school diploma

ServSafe certification

Tools

POS systems

Online reporting

Job description

Southwest Foodservice Excellence, Llc is seeking a Kitchen Manager to lead daily operations in a school cafeteria. You will manage staff, oversee food safety, and ensure high-quality meals for students while maintaining compliance with policies and budgets.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, training, and coordinating meal service in a fast-paced environment. A ServSafe credential and strong organizational skills are essential for success.