School Kitchen Manager: Lead Operations & Food Safety

Southwest Foodservice Excellence, Llc; Roxboro (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for daily food service operations at an assigned school site, 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 hands-on support and leadership in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, ServSafe certification, and prior supervisory experience.

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.

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

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Online reporting

Job description

The Kitchen Manager is responsible for daily food service operations at an assigned school site, 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 hands-on support and leadership in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, ServSafe certification, and prior supervisory experience.